How to Gain the Power to Change Anything

BECOME A GREAT STORY TELLER TO GIVE HOPE AND TO INFLUENCE
 
Today we continue with the 5-step process followed by master influencers by looking at a critical skill that you can develop — how to tell relevant, hope-giving, stories that help influence others to change.
 
“There are three kinds of men, ones that learn by reading, a few who
learn by observation, and the rest of them have to pee on the
electric fence and find out for themselves!” - Will Rogers
 
QUICK REVIEW
Influence masters understand that people will attempt to change their behaviors if two key conditions are met:  1) They believe it will be worth it; and 2) If they believe they can do what is required.  These two keys boil down to a person asking Am I able?   and   Am I motivated?
 
An overview of the process to be a master influencer:
     >>>> 1) Discover the high-leverage vital behaviors
     >>>> 2) Identify the source of influence behind the behavior your are trying to change
     >>>> 3) Change the way you change minds
     >>>> 4) Design an influence strategy using individual/social/structural forces
     >>>> 5) Make the change inevitable
 
Behind each vital behavior you’ll find at work — one or more (out of twelve) different sources of influence that fall into three categories:
     > Category 1: Personal (Sources of Influence: a. Contrast; b. Reciprocation; and c. Commitment & Consistency; and d. Scarcity)
     > Category 2: Social (Sources of Influence: a. Social Proof; b. Liking; c. Authority; and d. Recognition)
     > Category 3: Structural (Sources of Influence: a. Rank; b. Rewards; c. Accountability; and d. Environment)
 
CONTINUING WITH PROCESS STEP 3
Yesterday we discussed steps 1 and 2 of the master influencer’s process, today we move onto step 3 (next week we will finish with steps 4 and 5).
 
3. Change the way you change minds:  To most effectively change someone’s mind is not by relying on verbal persuasion, but rather, you must help individuals experience for themselves the benefits of the new or changed behaviors.  Remember, this is all pointed toward helping people answer Is it worth it? (if not, why waste the effort); and Can I do this? (If not, why try?). 
 
The great persuader is personal experience.  However, if you can’t take someone on a field trip of personally experiencing the benefits of the new or changed behavior, then simply create a surrogate for the actual experience.  Create a vicarious experience.
 
You best do this by telling vibrant and credible stories that create touching moments and memories.  A well designed and delivered story provides:
     1. Understanding (provides concrete and vivid detail; changes people’s views of how the world works; and presents a plausible, touching and memorable flow of cause and effect that can alter the view of consequences of various actions or beliefs);
     2. Belief (mitigates mistrust by helping the listener drop their skepticism of the credibility of the source, and transports the listener out of critic and into participant); and
     3. Motivation (emotionally connects by giving the listener the opportunity to empathize, not just sympathize).
 
In short, a story provides understanding, belief, and motivation in a new point of view and propels people into action.  It creates changes in people’s behavior by helping them alter their mental map of cause and effect; it changes how they think and behave.
 
Two very important tips about stories — tell the whole story — don’t leave out key elements of the narrative or else you risk rendering the whole story impotent; and secondly, provide hope in the story (don’t merely share poignant and repulsive negative outcomes, make sure your story offers up an equally credible and vivid solution).  Couple harsh reality lessons with equally concrete and vivid plans that offer hope.
 
“I was going to buy a copy of ‘The Power of Positive Thinking, and then I thought:  What a stupid idea - what the heck good would that do?”  - Ronnie Shakes
DAILY PRAYER 
“The Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in Him.”   Psalm 32:10b
 
Father, Your ultimate power and love make it far easier for us to trust you, and with that trust comes an increasing desire to do Your will.  We know You are watching over us, and desire us to come closer to You - help us see and remove the barriers that prevent us from changing the behaviors and actions that are off-track.  In Jesus name, Amen.
 
Reflect over the weekend on the fullness of the influence message so far, prepare for an exciting finish next week!
 
Grace and peace multiplied to you