You are responsible for bringing about such a consensus. The tool for accomplishing this purpose is the power of persuasion. Acceptance of the role of leader ethically binds you to use authority, influence, and logic in leading others to act in the best interests of the organization. Persuasion is clearly the preferred choice of the effective leader. Consider these techniques to boost your persuasive skills:

Build a solid reputation.
Establish a reputation for honesty and integrity. Be the kind of individual who deserves respect. The ancient philosopher Aristotle recognized the importance of character when he said, “Character is the most effective agent of persuasion.” Character is best observed in attitudes and actions. Character is demonstrated by doing what you say you will do. Strengthen your character, and you strengthen your power to persuade.

Create a climate of mutual trust.
In addition to establishing a reputation for honesty and integrity, do all you can to create a climate of mutual trust. Be a team player, be patient, be fair, be objective, be tolerant, be forgiving. Distrust in an organization creates game playing, faultfinding, blaming, politics, and other destructive behaviors. But when everyone in the organization knows they can trust what you say and what you do, they tend to model their behavior after yours, and they are more likely to follow your
leadership.

Listen attentively.
Careful listening is often more persuasive than polished speaking. In addition, you gain many good ideas that may not have occurred to you. Be willing to compromise and incorporate some of the ideas of others as far as possible and still accomplish your objective. Achieving the goal is your purpose—not imposing all of your ideas about how to achieve it.

Prepare to persuade.
Have all the facts and issues clearly in mind before attempting to persuade. Anticipate possible objections and prepare for them. Be supportive if defensiveness or hostility surfaces in the reactions of team members. Be sure that you are right most of the time. If you customarily speak before you are fully informed, people soon begin to react defensively to everything you say. Prepare your case and present it with brevity and clarity.

Demonstrate positive attitudes.
Plan every action with the intent to produce the best possible results for the organization, for top leadership, your peers, and for team members. When you adopt a positive attitude toward your own responsibility as a leader, every action you take benefits the organization and creates goodwill with your co-workers.

LMI’s multi-phase Effective Leadership Development program is designed to help current leaders realize the full weight of their actions and learn to lead with authority and conviction. It will also help develop new leaders and equip them with all the tools to motivate and nurture people to their maximum potential.