Topic 5 Persuasion
How do you persuade others of the merits of the case for gender equality? Try these methods when in discussion with others:
- Build trust
- Build empathy
- No lies, no exaggeration
- Build your case from the bottom
- Keep it relevant
- Use only a few good arguments at a time
- Be positive and confident
- Watch and listen for reactions
What factors persuade us to say ‘yes’?
There are six key universal principles that apply:
Reciprocity, scarcity, the benefits: (what is unique and what do you stand to lose?), consistency, liking and consensus. The principles are explained in this video.
Take a look and reflect on how you could apply this to your own environment:
Photo by Michèle Eckert on Unsplash
Here are some psychology tricks to persuade anyone about anything!
They include:
- Using polite expressions
- Using compliments
- Being an active listener
- Using fluid, confident speech
- Repeating speech and actions
- Nodding
- Using reciprocation to create an obligation
- Using balanced arguments
A nudge, like a reminder, is an aid or signal that provides information to help people make good decisions. To stay efficient, our brains rely on these mental shortcuts to help us make fast decisions with little information.
Although the term may be new, the concept of nudging is not. Nudges are aids we experience all the time without thinking much about them. Some nudges are designed to initiate new behaviours, such as reminders and alerts used to spur action. Other nudges can be designed to shape existing behaviours, like checklists, used to provide information or guide thinking.
Since nudges are generally inexpensive and can boost employee productivity and wellbeing, they can be used to guide people to make better decisions.
Though nudges can be simple to implement, they may prove ineffective or backfire under certain conditions. When crafting specific nudges, there are two general principles that should guide their creation:
- Nudges should guide helpful behaviours
- Nudges should protect freedom of choice
It is important to keep in mind that nudges should not incentivise nor punish behaviour, as this can ultimately restrict freedom of choice. Also, try to think ahead for any unintended side-effects they may have on employee behaviour.
For example, publicly displaying work performance (e.g., employee sales progress) may nudge competitive spirit to increase effort, but could foster unwanted behaviours from low-performing employees who cannot keep up.
Nudges are, by definition, designed to be helpful, but they could frustrate employees if not implemented properly. If you nudge employees to do something, make sure they are enabled to do it.
Learn the power of ‘nudge’ here:
…. and some examples:
