Management Tip of the Day: 3 Don’ts of Persuasion

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile AUGUST 1, 2011 3 Don'ts of Persuasion In today's business environment, it's not enough to tell employees to do something. You need to also explain why they should. This is why people who've mastered the art of persuasion rise to the tops of the ranks. When trying to influence others, avoid three of the most common mistakes: The hard sell. Being insistent and exuberant at the outset gives potential opponents something to grab on to. Use finesse instead of brawn. Resisting compromise. Compromise does not equal surrender. Listen to others and when possible, integrate their ideas into the solution. Assuming you have one chance. Persuasion is a process, not a one-time event. Get results over time by listening, proposing a position, testing it, and then refining it. Today's Management Tip was adapted from Harvard Business Review on Communicating Effectively. Buy the full book to learn more about mastering the art of persuasion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT The Innovator's DNA: Mastering the Five Skills of Disruptive Innovators HBR Press Book Some people are just natural innovators, right? With no apparent effort, they discover ideas for new products, services, and entire businesses. It may look like innovators are born, not made. But according to Jeffrey Dyer and Hal Gregersen, and Clay Christensen anyone can become more innovative. How? Master the discovery skills that distinguish innovative entrepreneurs and executives from ordinary managers. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS 3 Tips for Hiring Recent Graduates Compete on Analytics 3 Ways to Build Confidence 3 Steps to Make a Business Case for Sustainability Don't Blame IT for that Failed Initiative Be a Realistic Optimist 3 Ways to Convince a Skeptic Retrain Your Brain Grant the Right to Competent Management Your Team Needs 3 Essential Characteristics BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Free HBR Interactive issue Download the iPad app HBR Reads, and get your issue with audio and video interviews and multimedia slideshows. Learn more » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2011 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)