Length:
15 minutes
The exercise
When you next have a task you want someone to do, make sure you:
- Explain clearly why the task needs to be done, how it fits in the bigger picture of what you are doing together.
- Use facts and logic; provide relevant background information.
- Explain why the task is likely to lead to a successful outcome.
- Don't undermine your case by exaggerating.
Practice makes perfect
Reflect on how you might appropriately build this 'rational persuasion' approach into your day to day interactions with people. Make a real effort to use these behaviours – appropriately, of course - over the next four weeks. Making a consistent conscious effort to change your behaviour is the best way of making it stick long term.