Reach for t’Sky

Season 1, Episode 17: The Art of Persuasion

Influencing others is a skill that can make all the difference when you’re trying to turn an idea into reality. I learned this lesson firsthand when I had an idea for a new initiative at work. I was excited about it and had spent hours refining the concept, but I quickly realised that getting it off the ground wasn’t just about having a great idea - it was about getting buy-in from my colleagues.

I started by presenting the idea at a team meeting, running through the details and sharing my enthusiasm. But the initial reaction was lukewarm at best. I could see my colleagues had questions and doubts that I hadn’t fully addressed. Instead of pushing harder, I decided to step back and really listen. I asked for their input, addressed their concerns, and incorporated their suggestions into the plan.

By showing that I valued their perspectives and adapting the idea to reflect their feedback, I turned sceptics into supporters. What began as my idea became our idea, and the level of enthusiasm and commitment from the team skyrocketed. Together, we brought it to life, and the results exceeded what I could have achieved on my own.

Influencing isn’t about pushing your agenda - it’s about understanding others’ needs, building trust, and creating shared ownership. By doing so, you can inspire others to see the value in your vision and work with you to achieve it.