Mastering the Skill of Persuasion

Whether it’s in the office or at home, negotiations take place without you even knowing it. You could be convincing a date to try a new restaurant or sharing innovative ideas during a meeting. Becoming a better negotiator can help you reach your professional and personal goals.

It’s human nature to feel drawn to others that are similar to you in terms of your likes, experiences and beliefs. Leveraging similarities creates a basis for trust and emotional connection. So, if you’re reaching out on LinkedIn for career advice, drop a line to someone who attended the same college as you.

Remind yourself that empathy is at the heart of persuasion. It’s easier to draw someone to your way of thinking if they can see that you genuinely care about them. If you’re trying to convince a coworker to adopt a new framework, frame the conversation in terms of their interests. How will this new framework benefit them? How will it help them reach their goals? It’s like the saying, “the fastest way to someone else’s heart is to talk about the things that they value the most”. 🤝

Finally, people love choices. Nobody likes ultimatums. It’s uncomfortable to feel like you were forced to make a decision. If you’re trying to create change, involve others in the decision-making process. This makes them feel ownership of the idea. Look no further than studies about employees who are invited to share their opinion when large organisational changes take place. These employees demonstrate higher morale and become more committed to the organisation’s success. 📈

To find out more about effective influence and persuasion, take a look at our all-time favorite book by Dale Carnegie — How to Win Friends And Influence People.