Churchill: Madam, would you sleep with me for five million pounds? Socialite: My goodness, Mr. Churchill... Well, I suppose... we would have to discuss terms, of course... Churchill: Would you sleep with me for five pounds? Socialite: Mr. Churchill, what kind of woman do you think I am?! Churchill: Madam, we've already established that. Now we are haggling about the price.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A humorous anecdote illustrating how a principle can be tested through a change in value.
- In plain terms
- Churchill reveals a woman's standards by changing the offer amount.
- What can you take from it?
- Change terms to reveal true priorities.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we reveal values?
- What drives negotiation?
Another view
This story relies on gendered stereotypes common in that era.
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