When a leader wants to send a strong message to a follower without raising defensiveness or be perceived as antagonistic, s/he might consider using a third party story.

An example might sound like this: The leader says, “I always now ask again if you’re sure you can make that deadline since I’ve had promises that were made too hastily, and then I move ahead with my plans only to find that the deadline is unattainable.”

What has just been said to the follower?  “Don’t you dare tell me that you’re going to meet this deadline and then later come back and tell me it can’t be done.”  However, think of how much defensiveness would have greeted that message.  Instead a third party story strongly makes the point while softening the delivery.

Categories: Influence

Tags: influence