This is a question faced by everyone. Everyone has some kind of agenda, things they need, things they want to do, places they want to go. At some point we are all faced with the need to garner someone else's support or approval to continue on that path.
If you were to read many of the articles or books on the topic, a large proportion of them would advocate using some manipulative method or other, car-salesman-like tactic to get your way. (There is a reason car salesmen have a poor showing in the popularity contests)
I was reading another book by a fellow called Jeff Gitomer who advocates an entirely different approach. He proposes that the best way to move things forward is to establish a worthwhile relationship with the people who need to be part of your plan, that they actually want to support things (or buy things) and that they prefer to do that from people they know and like. Dr. Steven Covey describes this as expanding your circle of influence. Seth Godin suggests that you should associate yourself with people who are more likely to say "Yes"!
Isn't this basic psycology? I enjoy being around people who agree with me, it's a lot less stressful. But you know what, only being around people who agree with me has lead to some of the biggest rat-holes that I have ever been down.
Technorati Tags: collaboration, jeff gitomer, life, manipulation, Marketing, seth godin, stephen covey, yes
Disagreements are great as long as that is all it is and the job gets done. As someone once said if everybody agrees then some one is not thinking.
Posted by: Leo | May 17, 2007 at 08:10 AM