How to Change Anyone’s Mind

To persuade others, remove any barriers to their taking your desired position.

When trying to win others over, people frequently resort to pushing and cajoling. After all, if you want to move an object such as a chair, pushing frequently works. But this isn’t the best approach to influencing humans. When people feel cajoled, they instinctively push back.

Instead, take the friction out of getting the result you seek by adding a catalyst. Rather than coaxing or pestering people to do your will, ask yourself why they aren’t already doing so. Figure out what impediment is standing in the way, and remove it. Negotiators in a wide variety of fields leverage a set of five catalysts to inspire their subjects to change.

Make others feel empowered – not compelled – to pick your preferred option.

If people feel in control of their decisions, they are less likely to push back. Humans, by nature, will say no – even to something they want – if they feel bulldozed. Offer an array of choices so your subject can select the most attractive one, and use it as ...