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When we think of persuasion, we immediately associate it with negative behavior. But persuasion can be skillfully used to achieve our goals in life. The art of persuasion means convincing others to agree with your point of view or to follow a course of action. For some of us, persuasion is an innate quality and the power of influencing comes naturally. For the rest of us, persuasion skills can be learned and developed over time.
The power of persuasion is a beneficial foundational skill. Workplaces value employees with persuasion skills because they can impact several aspects of job performance. Besides, teamwork and leadership heavily rely on the power of persuasion and the ability to influence others. Without persuasion skills, employees may not be as committed to or sold on the importance of an organization’s vision and long-term mission.
What Are Persuasion Skills?
Persuasion skills meaning, in simple words, is the ability to make intentional and successful efforts in influencing someone either through written or verbal communication. Simply put, persuasion skills refer to the skill of changing or influencing the behaviors, beliefs or attitudes of someone or a group towards another idea, person or event. The art of persuasion usually involves reasoning, sharing feelings, and cleverly conveying information.
Imagine trying to get a friend to watch the web-series you’ve recently binge-watched. You’ll try to highlight the most exciting takeaways from the show and the impact it had on you or the way it made you feel. This is a classic example of persuasion where people try to get others to develop similar interests. Now imagine taking this art of persuasion and effectively using it to influence your coworkers. It’ll not only help you get excited about similar ideas; it’ll also help you motivate each other to achieve common goals. (cymbalta) This is the power of persuasion.
List Of Persuasion Skills
In order to learn the art of persuasion at the workplace, you also need to understand how to handle conflicts and reach agreements. Harappa Education’s Negotiating Wisely course will teach how to effectively use your persuasion skills. The Dual Concern Model will help you learn the different methods of negotiation and persuasion.
Here are a few basic persuasion skills that may improve your workplace negotiations:
1. Communication
Good communication is the first step in effective persuasion. Since persuasion is a process that involves influencing others, the most effective way is to communicate with your coworkers. It can be either verbal or non-verbal or both, but your message should leave an impact on your audience. If they engage with you, then they’re open to hearing you out.
2. Active Listening
Before you try to persuade someone, understand their viewpoints on a particular topic. If you actively listen to others, it shows that you’re patient and respectful to them. Giving people the chance to share their thoughts makes them feel valued. This way of showing your support will help establish trust. You’ll be able to recognize their motivations better and it’ll allow you to prepare effective arguments to win their support.
3. Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is a skill that’ll help you connect with your coworkers better. If you can pick up on your listener’s emotions, then you can respond appropriately. Adjust your persuasion tactics depending on the body language and mood of your listener.
4. Logic and Reasoning
Before you get somebody to get on-board with your idea, you should help them understand why they should pursue it. Your listeners should make a logical choice in order to fully commit to your ideas or plans. Use logic and reasoning to support your schemes. Back them up with evidence if needed. A chart or spreadsheet can help communicate your logic better. Use it to make impactful arguments.
5. Establish Credibility
Successful persuasion skills are based on your ability to have positive interactions and maintain meaningful relationships with people. In order to sustain those relationships, you must be able to work in their best interests as well. Your coworkers are more likely to agree with you when they succeed alongside you. The more they achieve and progress, the better your credibility.
Conclusion
We persuade and get persuaded every day. Asking our kids to tidy their room or listening to salespeople at the mall—we’re either convincing or getting convinced. A vast majority of people prefer collaboration and teamwork over hierarchy; no one likes to be told what to do or to be pushed around. Therefore, organizations and leaders should adapt powerful persuasion skills to bring necessary changes.
Explore topics such as Negotiation & BATNA from our Harappa Diaries section and learn how to persuade someone.
