Who says only CEO has all the power to influence people? In any organizations even those at the bottom of the rung can exert considerable influence as long as you know the right people and have right techniques. Simple strategies can help you get others do whatever you want them to do without having them even realize it. No, these are not dark arks intended to harm someone, but are psychological methods you can use to your advantage.
Want to be more successful at work and life? Then here is what Steve Liefschultz suggests you do.
Nod
There is scientific evidence that if people are nodding along as they listen to something, there is a greater probability of them being in agreement with it. Adding to this, scientists also observed that if someone is continuously nodding while speaking, then the recipients will also start to do the same. Mimicking behaviors, particularly ones with positive meanings, is a well-known human trait.
What you need to do is to nod frequently without being awkward to make your argument extra convincing. The person in front will be persuaded automatically. Try it the next time you ask a question or a favor.
Name
How do you make friends with someone and get them to like you the instant you meet? The easiest thing you can do is to include their name during the first five minutes into your conversation. Again, avoid the awkward and make it sound natural to be effective. Phrases like “hello (insert)” and “nice to meet you (insert)” will resonate with them positively such that they will feel inclined to prefer the person who validated their existence over another.
Also, for someone who wants to be closer to can be influenced likewise can be worked in simply by calling them “mate” or “friend” whenever possible.
Favor
Also referred to as the Benjamin Franklin effect, the theory is pretty much summed up by the celeb quote itself: “he who has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another than he whom you yourself have obliged”. From financial or business perspective, Steve Liefschultz has been surprised people to note people use it inappropriately often.
Get people to do something for you and they are going to be viewing you more kindly than they did before. That is because they will rationalize why you are worth doing the favor for; do justifications like “I like her” and “he’s my friend” ring a bell? Just as they made you oblige to do the errand, thinking you must like them, these will get you the desired help as well make other parties like you more too.
Smile and Eye Contact
Want to change the environment to one where you feel comfortable in? Smile before you even walk through the door. It is going to warm you up as well as put others who smile back without thinking in a good mood. Standing along with a group of people and laughing together? Make sure you maintain your eye contact with the person you feel – or want to feel – closest to. The gesture shows you are beginning to trust and hence bond with the other person.
It’s essential that you don’t overuse the eye contact to the point it becomes creepy and aggressive or even underuse it to be perceived as shy, disinterested, or embarrassed.
