Colleague 1
Lyndsay Camaroto
Hello,
There are always different methods of persuasion that can be utilized in the workplace. My tendencies are to outline the benefits of something to persuade for things to happen or being completed. I don’t think altering the truth is ethical and efficient, but providing information is always key for me. Outlining the benefits goes a long way. In regards to something that “must” be done, but there is little willingness to complete it, I still stand true to providing education and insight, I tend to lean towards educating on the “bigger” picture to enlighten others as well as expand their own thinking processes.
Benefits of Using Persuasion to Influence Others at Work
Utilizing persuasion effectively in the workplace can lead to enhanced collaboration and improved leadership outcomes. Emerald Works Limited (n.d.) highlights that persuasion fosters collaboration by aligning team members with shared goals, thereby encouraging cooperative efforts and reducing resistance to change. This alignment is particularly beneficial in project management and cross-functional initiatives, where collective buy-in is crucial for success. Additionally, persuasive communication is a key leadership skill that can inspire and motivate employees, leading to increased engagement and productivity. By presenting ideas compellingly and addressing the needs and concerns of others, leaders can cultivate trust and commitment, which are essential for achieving organizational objectives. Therefore, mastering persuasion techniques can significantly enhance interpersonal dynamics and drive organizational success.
To be an agent of positive change, will refer back to providing insight and education through being a role model and supervision. We want to educate and mold our staff to become the best versions of them that they can be. We also need to aid in developing their skill sets and thinking capabilities. Therefore, utilizing persuasion can guide them to do things that they wouldn’t normally do, because we are outlining the positives that can occur and the benefits that they can gain.
Reference:
Emerald Works Limited. (n.d.). Powers of persuasion. MindTools. https://www.mindtools.com/community/pages/article/PowersofPersuasion.phpLinks to an external site.
Colleague 2
Anna Kelsch
In a business setting, persuasion is an important skill to influence decisions, collaborate and create change for the better. I have used persuasion in two important ways at work. For instance, I was able to convince the team to use a new project management tool by showing them statistics on increased efficiency and shared the testimonials of other departments and demonstrated how the tool could help mitigate the amount of duplicate work and missed deadlines. Second, I shared the vision of a company-wide wellness initiative that emphasized the benefits of mental health support, increased productivity, and employee satisfaction which eventually gave leadership the resources to invest in the program.
The benefits of using persuasion in the workplace include the ability to increase collaboration and trust among employees and promote employee involvement in activities that lead to improved organizational performance. Finally, persuasion leads to shared vision; and by motivating colleagues to work towards meaningful goals together. However, one of the potential risks involved in the use of persuasion is the potential for the use to be misinterpreted as manipulation if not used in a transparent way, which can undermine trust. This risk can be addressed by making arguments evidence-based, being clear about intentions and ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders are heard when making decisions.
As a business professional and leader, I will leverage my persuasion skills to effect positive social change by: Support initiatives that promote positive social change in the workplace, support ethical practices, and embrace sustainability. Through clearly communicating, empathizing, and using facts and data to make the case for solutions that are beneficial for the organization and the larger community, I hope to influence my colleagues to buy into solutions that will have positive effects for a lasting time.
