How do you influence others to reach goals?

2 Build rapport and trust

The second step to influencing others is to build rapport and trust with them. Rapport is the feeling of connection and harmony that you establish with someone through verbal and nonverbal communication. Trust is the belief that someone is reliable, honest, and competent. You can build rapport and trust by showing empathy, respect, and appreciation, by using positive and supportive language, by matching their communication style and pace, and by being consistent and transparent.

3 Use persuasive techniques

The third step to influencing others is to use persuasive techniques that appeal to their logic, emotions, and values. You can frame your message to highlight the benefits and minimize the drawbacks for your audience, or use storytelling with narratives and anecdotes to illustrate your points. Additionally, you can display social proof by showing evidence and examples of how others have achieved or supported your goals. You may also consider offering something of value or help to your audience in exchange for their cooperation or commitment, or create a sense of urgency or exclusivity for your goals by emphasizing the limited time or resources available.

4 Listen and address objections

The fourth step to influencing others is to listen and address any objections or concerns they may have. It is important to acknowledge their perspective and demonstrate that you understand their point of view. In addition, you should respond to their objections with facts, logic, and empathy, while offering solutions or alternatives that can overcome any barriers. Paraphrasing, reframing, questioning, and negotiating are all techniques that can help you do this effectively. Paraphrasing involves repeating their objections in your own words to show that you heard them and to clarify any misunderstandings. Reframing helps you change the way they perceive their objections by highlighting the positive aspects or the opportunities for improvement. Questioning involves asking open-ended questions that challenge their assumptions or invite them to explore other possibilities. Finally, negotiating can help you find a common ground or a win-win situation that satisfies both parties.

5 Ask for action

The fifth step to influencing others is to ask for action, which should be clear and specific. Explain the benefits and consequences of taking or not taking action, and provide any support or resources needed. You can use summarizing to review the main points and benefits of your message, the word "because" to give a rationale for your request, assume agreement with confident and positive language, and use a call to action with a verb or phrase that prompts them to take action immediately or within a deadline. Doing this will make your request more compelling and persuasive.

6 Follow up and reinforce

The sixth step to influencing others is to follow up and reinforce your message and request. You should check in regularly and monitor their progress and feedback, while also providing recognition, appreciation, and encouragement for their efforts. You can remind them of your request and the benefits of taking action, celebrate milestones and successes, reward them with incentives or rewards, and give constructive and positive feedback to help them improve their performance.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?