Blog 10

 This week's blog (what should have been due Tuesday, April 22, but feel free to take an extra week to complete):

After reviewing reading 2.8, Harnessing the Science of Persuasion, and familiarizing yourself with the six "principles" of persuasion that Cialdini outlines, respond to the following:

(1) You engage in persuasion attempts all the time, even if you don't have names for the types of persuasive strategies you use. Which of the six persuasive principles that Cialdini outlines do you think you rely on most when trying to persuade? Explain, perhaps with an example.

(2) Others are trying to persuade you too. Of the six persuasive principles, which do you think you are must susceptible to. In other words, if, say, a negotiating counterpart were to try to persuade you, which of the six principles should they use to have the highest chance of success? Explain.

(3) Finally, of these six principles of persuasion, which do you think you would benefit most from developing, as a negotiator? Explain.

The persuasion type I rely on most is the principle of liking. I think a major thing with humans is feeling a sense of connection, it doesn’t matter on what you’re doing, if someone feels connection they’ll instantly feel warmth towards you.I think as we have found out in the semester that finding common ground early is often the best result for all parties so this is a good start in this. This method is also great for the future too as it can help build relationships and trust where you can use people again.

The principle I find I am most susceptible to is authority. I think I struggle when from the get go someone shows of vast knowledge and skill. It is always hard to negotiate and “win” agasint these as from the start they have shown a sense of authority compared to you. Ultimately in this situation you have to back your ability and knowledge too but is very hard to do so when you have your back against the wall.

The principle I’d benefit most from developing is commitment and consistency. I need to do better at getting others others to commit and getting that initial agreement. I feel like at times I can spend too long going back and forth in debate and dilly dally in getting them to commit. I feel like I need to start to apply for pressure on people and not be as easy to really force this commitment early sometimes. I tried this the other day in my negotiation as I thought the person I was against could crack had I applied some pressure and it did work.