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HANDLING-PUSHBACK5 MIN READ

Steelman the Data Objection

Use steelmanning to respond constructively when someone challenges the data behind your recommendation.

Leah can turn the critique into a better evidence standard. Mateo says the sample is too small. What should Leah say? Fair rigor check. The strongest concern is that the sample hides a segment that still depends on the report. What would make this responsible: more weeks, a segment split, or a sunset trigger? Strong. It steelmans the critique, assesses the evidence standard, and reframes the dispute into conditions for a responsible decision. The trend is obvious enough, and waiting for perfect data keeps bad process alive. This dismisses rigor as perfectionism. It may be emotionally satisfying, but it weakens…

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