Three Ways to Convince a Skeptic
Swaying an executive to accept an idea is tough, especially if she’s a skeptic. To overcome her cynicism, you need to adjust your style. Here are three ways to influence a non-believer:
- Co-present with a trusted source. Skeptics are highly suspicious of any information that challenges their worldviews. You can increase your chances of success by sharing the stage with someone the executive believes in.
- Demonstrate endorsements. You need as much credibility as you can garner. Ask others who support your idea to let the executive know.
- Stroke egos. Skeptics respond to flattery. Start sentences with, “You’ve probably seen this data already…”
Adapted from Harvard Business Review on Communicating Effectively.
