Sprinkle Some Sugar On Your Pitches

courtesy photo, local.sandiego.com

The easiest way to get someone to do something is to get them to want to do it.  It doesn't matter what your job title is.  And if people around you are uninspired by your requests, maybe you need to change your approach.  Persuasion is a lost art.

Think of yourself as the baseball pitcher on the mound.  The batters are all the people you interact with on a daily basis:  your children, your boss, your employees, your neighbors, your friends and your co-workers.  Each time you ask them to do something, you are throwing a pitch and you want them to get a hit.  If you are only throwing strikes, adjust each pitch based on the individual in the batters box:

1. Most people love sugar.  Before you throw every pitch, lick your thumb and dip it in the stash of sugar under your cap.
2. If you face the rare batter who doesn't like sugar, skip step number one and throw a fast ball directly over the center of the plate.  Make the pitch irresistible so the batter will want to hit a home run.
3. Teenagers have a way of getting in ruts.  You need to mix it up to keep their attention.  Every pitch needs to be adjusted based on what is important to them.  They love sugar, however, they need variety too.  They also need to be aware of the consequences for striking out on your requests.
4. Celebrate the hits, especially when you are dealing with children.  Maybe they didn't complete your request to your satisfaction but they advanced to first base.  Lavish the positive feedback while you encourage them to find their way to home plate.
5. Avoid throwing your favorite pitch.  Instead, give the hitter his or her favorite pitch.  Remember, you want hits, not strikes.  As long as you are using the hitter's favorite sugar, you will be running up the score.

I do my best work in the persuasion department when I'm part of a team.  The more everyone on the field of life understands how important each hit is, the more each person will want to contribute.  This increases harmony in families.  It increases productivity at work.  And it adds to self-esteem for each member of the team.  Make sure you celebrate every hit, even if it is only a bunt.  And maintain a steady supply of sugar.  You will be the most popular member on any field and you will re-discover the lost art of persuasion.