IT’S NO SECRET, really – we all want to get our own way. But as the Rolling Stones once sang, ‘You can’t always get what you want.’
Or can you?
Believe it or not, there are lots of psychological strategies that you can use to subtly influence people to be more inclined to doing things your way – and who doesn’t want that?
Well, we’ve rounded up seven of the best tactics for getting what you want – now go forth and get your own way.
You know what they say – you never get a second chance to make a first impression, so it’s important you get it right first time.
In order to hit the ground running in your overall campaign of (almost) always getting your way, a good first impression is essential.
Confidence is key and projecting that confidence – in a non-cocky manner, will have them eating out of your hands before too long.
So, shoulders back, look sharp, put a spring in your step and you’ll be on the path to world domination in no time.
We’ve all been in that situation whether someone proffers a hand to shake that’s more like shaking a limp fish than a hand, or the other end of the scale – having your fingers crushed to dust in their grasp.
Avoid both of those, for the love of all hands out there.
Develop a nice firm handshake and you’ll be winning before you’ve even said a word.
But not too much eye contact. Don’t go down the super-creepy route, please.
Making eye contact is very important in human interactions – people associate it with being honest and upfront, whereas not meeting someone’s eye can give the impression of shiftiness, even if it’s more likely that you’re just shy.
So, when you meet someone look them in the eye when greeting them and bring out that firm handshake – they’ll be putty in your hands.
Believe it or not, there’s a whole load of scientific study based around smiling and the psychology of it. You’ve probably noticed yourself when walking down the street if someone smiles at you, you smile back and may even feel a little happier.
So, remember that next time you’re meeting someone new, or just engaging with anyone at all. Having a smile on your face makes you more approachable, gives you more energy – and by consequence makes them happier and more energetic too.
It’s even been said to smile on the phone – it can be heard in your voice. That’s how powerful a smile is.
People may love to hear the sound of their own voices, but guess what they love to hear more? Their name.
You know how you knew when you were in trouble when you were younger? It’s because someone called out your full name – middle name and all. You paid attention to that, alright.
So, next time you’re having a chat with someone – throw in their name every now and again and watch their ears prick up. They’ll really be paying attention – and you can woo them around to your way of thinking in no time.
Once you master this strategy it will be like having a secret superpower tucked up your sleeve. The way to get people to do what you want is to have them agree with you – and how do you do that? By getting them to say yes.
How do you do this? By asking them questions that they will inevitably say yes to.
‘Did you have a nice weekend?’
‘Yes.’
‘Did you enjoy your holidays?’
‘Yes.’
‘Can you get that report to me by close of business?’
‘…Yes!’
See? Magic.
To really get people on your side, make them feel important – but do it sincerely. No one wants to be flattered or feel that they’re being made a fool of with insincere praise. They can always tell.
If you genuinely treat the person as an important person, letting them know that their goals and objectives are worthwhile and valuable not just to them but to you, then you will find that they will reciprocate and also that they’re more inclined to go along with your way of doing things.
Win win.
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