Get Your Colleagues to Help You With This Simple Persuasion Technique
People will always be more willing to help when they feel they owe you. This classic persuasion method takes a little upfront work, but it can make it a lot easier for you to convince others to help you when you need it.
The goal is reciprocity, and this requires your help and them. Robert Cialdini, author of Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion , believes that helping others achieve their goals is key. The trick, however, is how to do it. He explains to Harvard Business Review:
Get in the habit of helping people, and – this part is really important – don’t dismiss it when people thank you. Don’t say, “Oh, that’s okay.” We are given serious power of persuasion immediately after someone thanks us. So say something like “Sure; this is what partners do for each other. ”Label what happened as an act of partnership.
Don’t wait to be asked to help with something, just help. Then do this by explaining why you are willing to help. Tell them, “This is what friends do for each other” or “something for a team member.” The next time you need their help, you will probably get it.
Using (and Abusing) Influence | Harvard Business Review