Conversations designed to influence others often fail because of the way they begin. How you open the interaction, especially a potentially difficult or important one, has everything to do with how the other person responds. So, it is important to consider some of the mistakes leaders make when they attempt to gain buy-in and commitment.
Source: Dialogue Works, August 28, 2016.
‘Tell me if I am wrong.’ This statement creates the presumption that the leader is right and creates a difficult hurdle for the other person to overcome. Not many would dare to say, ‘Yes, I have to tell you that you are wrong.’ That is not going to happen. When a leader begins this way, it is like saying, ‘I just want you to do this.’
INSIGHTS: Now that you know how not to start these important conversations, watch for next week’s Bulletin. We’ll share some ideas on the best way to create a common goal for every influencing conversation.