The leadership skill of persuasion

Persuasion, motivation and influence are powerful skills you can develop as you continue to grow as an effective leader in the office and other personal aspects of your life. The following is a good definition of “persuasion”; Persuasion is a form of influence. It is the way to get people to agree with an idea, attitude, or action by rational and emotional means. It is a problem-solving strategy and relies on “appeals” rather than force. I love the last sentence where it explains that it is not done with “force.” It’s not a way to demand, command or order. The best leaders will persuade using motivation and inspiration.

You do not need to be in a management role to have the leadership skill of persuasion. Employers love leaders that take the initiative to help guide the company to new growth. Employees with leadership skills are easier to train and promote. These employees require very little overseeing.

When, where and why would we use persuasion? Why would we want to influence others to see it one way?

The “when” is something that you will be able to see when you start to apply persuasion. A simple example is; in an office atmosphere we all have jobs that affect other employees. Sometimes the output of one your fellow employees will set you back and delay your work. Wouldn’t it be nice if you are able to influence and share with your fellow employee a more productive way of doing a particular step? Most of us do not want to cross that line because we don’t want to rock the boat or upset anyone. Unfortunately, more hurt is created when we don’t share our ideas. Sharing an idea can be done in a persuasive and respectful way. Remember “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” Your idea may improve someone else’s job and increase their productivity. I always put myself in the person’s shoes, and then find a way to make my suggestion to be influence by their knowledge in their job. In other words, work with your fellow employees in a team effort approach, never as a dictatorship approach. If you have the ability to let them get part (or full) of the credit for the change, do it.

The “where” you can apply the “persuasion” skill is endless. Think of “persuasion” as a motivational skill. It will be effective at the job, clubs, philanthropy work, personal life and many more. Sales people will master this skill, because their commission pay will depend on it. A great sales person will never make you feel like you bought something you didn’t need. They will have the gift of persuasion to help you understand how their product will make your life easier.

The “why” is not about you the “persuader.” Take yourself out of the equation. The “why” should be about the way this “persuasion” will help others. In other words, the idea or plan you are presenting or selling should impact others in a positive way. When you are doing it to help others, then others will see that and follow.

Persuasion involves several other common skills, including:

• Communication- have the ability to share your ideas and thoughts in an engaging way that appeals to team.
• Learn & Research – be a student to understand how your idea will affect others. Your audience will know if you are selling a pitch that was not thought out.
• Active listening – always be an engaged respectful listener. Understand the emotions or needs of your audience.
• Develop interpersonal skills -be genuine, natural and charismatic. People are more likely to agree with someone they like and trust.
• Negotiation – be open to allow others to comment and contribute to your idea. Throw out the window feelings of “defensiveness or sensitivity.” It does not have to be “all or nothing.”
• Cultivate Relationships – This will open the doors for more shared knowledge

The following are top persuaders in American history:

1. John F. Kennedy – According to Douglas Brinkley, author and professor of history at Rice University. “Kennedy had a good sales pitch – we can beat the Soviet Union; we can win – and it captured peoples’ imaginations,” Brinkley says. But it was the detailed, time-specific nature of his plan that gave politicians and the American people something to get behind.
2. Franklin D. Roosevelt – Despite his health challenges with Polio FDR is a great example of a president who got out and listened to people.
3. Abraham Lincoln – Probably the most effective Persuader. He did it through his story telling. He knew how to relate to others. Walked among his subordinates with a humble attitude to understand and know that they needed.

Becoming a great persuader will open doors to your world. It will allow you to contribute to society in ways you never imagined. In addition, you will build relationships and trust in your industry!