How do you become a more persuasive leader? Persuasion is an essential skill for any leader, and you must be able to share a compelling vision and inspire people to change – all without them feeling coerced or manipulated. So, persuasion is what we talk about in this week's episode of Reflect Forward: Advice From a CEO.
Here are the highlights:
1. Use positive language
2. Know what you are talking about
3. Listen carefully
4. Ask questions
5. Be willing to compromise:
6. Give people space
7. Follow up
To be an effective, high-impact leader, you must hone your powers of persuasion and use them for good – to move your team and company forward. When done well, persuasion can be a leader's most powerful tool.
Question of the Week
This week's question comes from a friend who said, "I made a huge mistake at work and feel terrible. It's causing me deep anxiety. How should I manage this situation?"
It's undeniable that everyone encounters moments of stumbling or blundering at some point in their professional journey. Your heart races, your hands get clammy, and that unforgiving dread known as anxiety sets in. Don't fret - mistakes are not your downfall but an opportunity for growth. I share the following suggestions in detail in the episode:
• Acknowledge Your Feelings: When anxiety sets in, it's important to acknowledge it. Do not dismiss your feelings.
• Pause and Reflect: Rather than diving into damage control mode immediately, take a moment to understand the error.
• Confess and Rectify: Honesty and transparency are essential. Inform the relevant parties about the mistake as soon as you can.
• Develop a Plan: Analyze the mistake, understand its roots, and then create a clear and concise plan to solve the problem.
• Practice Self-Compassion: Mistakes can hurt, but don't let them destroy your confidence. It's easy to spiral into negative self-talk, but being gentle with yourself is essential.
• Learn and Adapt: Each mistake is an opportunity for growth. Take time to identify the lessons you can learn from your mistake and use these as stepping stones for your professional development.
• Consult a Mentor or Therapist: If anxiety is getting the best of you, seeking help from a mentor or a professional therapist might be beneficial.
Ultimately, it's crucial to understand that mistakes are a part of the journey. They're not an indication of your worth or capability. So, breathe, believe, and bounce back. Remember, you are more resilient than you think.
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