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Don’t even try!
In communicating to influence, we try to convert someone (holding an opposing view) to our point of view. The reality is, we can’t.
I recently had dinner with a relative who was anti-establishment. He knew I used to work for the government and during dinner was constantly baiting me into an argument by criticizing the government and its policies.
Instead of arguing, which would be pointless and make for an uncomfortable dinner for all, I responded by saying that in politics, 30% love the government and 30% hate the government. I added that nothing I say will ever change the minds of the 30% who hate, and meaningful discussions on politics can only take place with the 40% (the ‘middle ground’) who are unbiased and open to listening to alternative views.
I believe this is the same when it comes to the implementation of organizational policies. While the percentages will vary, there will be those who support the policy, those who don’t, and those who are undecided. If we believe what we are implementing is the right thing to do, then we should not be unduly focused on trying to convince every naysayer.
As we can never win everyone over to our point of view, the “wiser” strategy is to forget about the haters and focus on the 70%.
