Chapter 15
Ten Sure-Fire Ways to Influence Anyone
In This Chapter
Venturing beyond words
Supporting your side
Making the most of others
Working together
In Henrik Ibsen’s play The Master Builder, the lead character imagines that by wishing for something, it will come true. At the end of the play, he falls to his death. I’m not suggesting that you might die by wishing to become a great influencer! Rather, I’m suggesting that becoming a skilled persuader leads to a much happier outcome than simply wishing, hoping, thinking and praying ever can.
If you’ve ever watched in awe as someone persuaded another to do something she originally disdained (or at least doubted), this chapter serves up ten secrets from successful persuaders that you can utilise in your own interactions.
Establish Trust
Try to get someone to follow your lead without first establishing trust, and watch your efforts collapse at the starting gate. If someone doesn’t trust you, why would she possibly want to follow you? Being perceived as trustworthy requires that you demonstrate your credibility.
‘Walking your talk’ ...
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