Harnessing the Science of Persuasion Article Critique/Analysis
Harnessing the Science of Persuasion
Article Critique/Analysis
I chose to critique the article “Harnessing the Science of Persuasion” by Robert B. Cialdini. As an undergraduate I was planning on a profession in the medical field, and I enjoy exploring how the science and business worlds correlate. In this article, Cialdini describes six scientific/psychological factors that contribute to enhancing one’s ability to increase influence on others. I interpret that pure motives are the main success factor in building influence at the underlying theme of Cialdini’s principles. I can only be as persuasive as I am sincere in my desires to know, and help others. In this paper I will overview some of the principles that Cialdini presents, and apply them to my strategy for my personal, and professional advancement.
Liking/Similarity Though the conscious mind may seek diversity, there is an undeniable human behavioral trait to associate with people who are “like me”. At first glance this principle suggests that we should stick to doing business with people who look, act, believe similarly to how we do and avoid other people because we will not be successful with them. I feel that I have always had an ability to relate to people, whether it is in line at a Motley Crew concert, or in an executive meeting. I believe that humans are more similar than different. The skill is identifying common ground quickly in interactions, because everyone is in a hurry.
I have attempted and will continue to apply this principal in my business interactions by showing a little personality in the first few seconds that I interact with my customers. The trick is to do this without being perceived as smug or an apathetic. I can say a quick line from a song that is stuck in my head, and say “sorry I’ll try to focus better throughout the remainder of this transaction;” or asking a detailed question about a project that the customer is working on. It is important to
Article Critique/Analysis
I chose to critique the article “Harnessing the Science of Persuasion” by Robert B. Cialdini. As an undergraduate I was planning on a profession in the medical field, and I enjoy exploring how the science and business worlds correlate. In this article, Cialdini describes six scientific/psychological factors that contribute to enhancing one’s ability to increase influence on others. I interpret that pure motives are the main success factor in building influence at the underlying theme of Cialdini’s principles. I can only be as persuasive as I am sincere in my desires to know, and help others. In this paper I will overview some of the principles that Cialdini presents, and apply them to my strategy for my personal, and professional advancement.
Liking/Similarity Though the conscious mind may seek diversity, there is an undeniable human behavioral trait to associate with people who are “like me”. At first glance this principle suggests that we should stick to doing business with people who look, act, believe similarly to how we do and avoid other people because we will not be successful with them. I feel that I have always had an ability to relate to people, whether it is in line at a Motley Crew concert, or in an executive meeting. I believe that humans are more similar than different. The skill is identifying common ground quickly in interactions, because everyone is in a hurry.
I have attempted and will continue to apply this principal in my business interactions by showing a little personality in the first few seconds that I interact with my customers. The trick is to do this without being perceived as smug or an apathetic. I can say a quick line from a song that is stuck in my head, and say “sorry I’ll try to focus better throughout the remainder of this transaction;” or asking a detailed question about a project that the customer is working on. It is important to