Want to convince someone they should take your idea seriously, but you're terrible at talking to people? This blog post has some great tips that will help you get through the tough times, and maybe even score a little brownie point with them in the process.
These are four ways to know what someone is thinking before they say it, which can be especially helpful for team members who aren't familiar with each other or work in an environment where opinions matter. You might just find yourself making a sale - or persuading someone - sooner than you thought!
1) Help Them Avoid A Comparison To Something Else
Everyone likes getting complimented on something. But what's just a compliment if it's not backed up with a specific reason why?
Have you heard a joke, or read something funny, and wanted to share it with your colleagues, but were unable to do so because they were laughing at something else?
A good way to start things off is by asking them what their favorite / funniest / most embarrassing thing is. And then you could say: "Yea, I noticed that about you too!" or "I laughed out loud that I thought of that!"
Someone might say: "I think we're all late for work. It started at 6 o clock and there's still no sign of it starting."
You can then respond with: "Me too! I had to make a joke about that!" and they'll be more likely to share what they thought was hilarious because they know you agreed.
2) Ask About Their Day - Directly After They've Been Complimented
This is a great way to show that you're interested in them, but not intrusive. It's also an effective way to check in on their day without making matters awkward.
If someone has just been complimented on something, ask them about their day. Maybe it's a white lie, so they'll be more likely to tell the truth. Perhaps you'll learn something new!
Here's an example: "Yea, thanks a lot! My day was crazy!" I then follow up with: "What was crazy about it?" or "How was your day? How was that joke I told you?"
3) Ask Them Why They're Focused On That Particular Thing To Make Them Consider Other Possibilities / Perspectives
Maybe what they thought was funny wasn't so funny after all - but there are other perspectives.
Maybe they're stuck on something, and you can help by changing their point of view by questioning their thoughts and getting them to see a different side.
Maybe you can show them what's good about the situation and make them feel good about it. But then again, maybe not. Either way, you've got to ask them!
4) Bring Up A Point They Disagreed With When You First Met Them - If It's Still Relevant Now
The first time I met some of my colleagues, we talked about systems engineering for a long time. I had a lot of opinions about how it should be done, and I wanted everyone to agree with me - but after a few hours I was apparently too uptight about certain things to consider the other points of view.
People are not always going to agree with you all the time. But what if we could use that disagreement in a more productive way?
If you can get them to see your point of view and come up with new ideas, they might realize their own beliefs were wrong.