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Harnessing
the Science of
Persuasion
A summary of the full-length HBR article by Robert B.
Cialdini, highlighting key ideas.
THE IDEA IN BRIEF
Do you have it—the power to capture your audience,
sway undecideds, convert opponents? In matrixed orga-
nizations, persuasion trumps formal power. It’s essential
to getting things done through others.
Persuasion works by appealing predictably to deeply
rooted human needs. We can all learn to secure consen-
sus, cut deals, win concessions—by artfully applying six
scientifi c principles of winning friends and infl uencing
people.
Reprint #R0109D
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