Use presuasion to lay the groundwork for change

Summary

• When you want to introduce a new idea, lay the ground work ahead of time by preparing peoples minds for the new idea

Details

• You could ask for feedback on a particular problem before introducing your solution
• You could emphasize what competitors are doing, or the issues being created by teh current situatiton
• You could mention that you are researching some potential solutions

References

• Atlassian article online

Quotes

You don’t want your boss or manager to be hearing about your project for the first time when you’re trying to get it approved. “Change makes people nervous,” explains Melody. “You’re likely to get immediate pushback if you haven’t tested the waters for your idea.”

That’s why she recommends using a technique called pre-suasion, a term coined by psychologist Robert Cialdini. “This isn’t about manipulation or planting an idea in someone’s head,” she says. “The goal is to lay the groundwork so when you make a request to move forward, it feels like a natural next step.”

Here’s how pre-suasion could sound in practice:

• Ask for feedback on how your organization is currently addressing (or not addressing) the problem, before bringing up your new solution
• Build urgency by talking about results competitors have created in the area you’re focused on, or why now might be the right time to act
• Mention that you’ve been researching potential solutions or strategies, even before you have something concrete to share

Related

• Change is building whats next not dismantling what was
• Small changes pay compound interest in the long run
• When a system changes, the first iteration is usually imperfect and rough
• Achieving change takes time
• Educate to allow change