Persuasion - a gentle introduction.

persuasion
noun
1. the action or process of persuading someone or of being persuaded to do or believe something.

"Monica needed plenty of persuasion before she actually left"

synonyms:     coaxing, persuading, coercion, inducement, convincing, blandishment, encouragement, urging, prompting, inveiglement, temptation, cajolery, enticement, wheedling, pressure, moral pressure; informalsweet-talking, smooth-talking, soft-soaping, arm-twisting

Look at that list of synonyms. It puts the concept of persuasion in a slightly new light, correct? How useful would it be if we actively taught our children the art of persuasion. and not necessarily in a negative light either - it doesn't need to be sleazy, corruptible, nefarious, immoral, or illegal.

Think about it this way - if you are a leader (eg in sports, buriness, military, politics, religion) inst it in everyone's best interest, and in fact isn't it your responsibility that you are able to convey the mission, rally the team to a cause, smooth through issues, and pave the path to success in an inclusive, decisive, effective manner as possible. Don't we want our children to be leaders? Don't we envision them at the pinnacle of a field, fearlessly and leading from the front, charting new seas, boldly going where no one has gone before?

Well - better prepare them for that, and I'm thinking that the gentle (yes - gentle) art of persuasion is possibly one of the most important tools in the toolkit that  will enable success in whatever field they are going to pursue.

In Caldini's book "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" the author argues that there are six main principles that make up the ways we are influenced, and how we can influence others. Each of these principles will be the split out in some depth and a hack or two suggested to get our Kids equipped to deal with it.

1. Reciprocation
2. Commitment and Consistency
3. Social Proof
4. Authority
5. Liking
6. Scarcity

“People’s ability to understand the factors that affect their behavior is surprisingly poor,” Cialdini says. However influencing others isnt luck or magic - it is a Science. There are well studied and proven ways to help your children learn the success principles that we will look at in some greater depth.

Next up - some Reciprocation hacks!

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