4 Steps to Convince Someone to Do What You Want

Dale Carnegie offered the advice, “make the other person feel important – and do it sincerely,” to influence people to action.  Similar to other concepts he introduces, it is simple, yet deceptively profound. 

• Be Mindful – Before you approach someone to help you with a task, take the time to reflect on why they would be a good person to do the task or job.  What skills have they shown that makes them the perfect person for the job. Think of a specific time they exhibited the skill.
• The Approach – Reach out to the person and share your thoughts about their unique skill set.  Share how much you value the individual and their specific skills.
• How to Be Sincere – The best way to show sincerity is to make a statement about the person and use a very specific example, the example acts as evidence to back up what you are saying about the individual.  It makes your words more meaningful that you took the time to observe their actions and share it with them.
• The Ask – “….it’s because of all of these things that I’m asking you to do this job.”  By connecting an individuals skills and expertise to the job you are requesting, it highlights the person’s importance, genuinely and then transitions to what needs to be done.  Most people skip right to step 4.  Follow the four steps and you’ll find that people are more willing to do the things you suggest.

Access all 30 Dale Carnegie principles in a convenient PDF guide, Dale Carnegie’s Secrets of Success.