The Power of Persuasion: Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Introduction

When we enter this world, it’s easy to think that everything revolves around us. As babies, the attention we get reinforces that belief. But as we grow, we start to understand that the world is filled with other people, each with their own perspectives, interests, and needs. Yet, even as adults, many of us hold onto a fundamental misconception: we assume that everyone can be persuaded in the same way we prefer to be persuaded.

The Evolution of Influence

Back at the start of my career, I was lucky enough to read a book about “Positive Power and Influence.” This book has been a game-changer for me ever since. The core idea was simple yet profound: there are four basic ways to influence others, but most of us rely on just a few of these styles — often the ones that work on us or were used by our parents.

Let’s break down these four influence styles:

1. Assertive Persuasion

• Presenting facts and logical arguments to make your case.

2. Common Vision

• Painting a compelling vision for the future and inspiring others to chase that vision.

3. Participation and Trust

• Building personal relationships…