persuasion

  • As leaders we are always working to move those we lead forward on ideas. We are pioneering ahead and working to get those we lead to come along with us on the journey. The focus of this practice is to understand what proper persuasion is, but even more importantly to understand what it is not. As leaders we need to be persuasive while not crossing the lines into unhealthy behaviors like manipulation and coercion. As people in positions of power, we have the ability to move those we lead in a way that could be potentially harmful for them. We must find the balance to lead those to move forward without causing harm.

  • Questions for Individual Reflection:

    • Is there a change you are striving for that has the potential to cause coercion?

    • If the difference between coercion and persuasion is personal choice, what are ways you can leave room for personal choice for those you lead?

  • Questions for Mentoring Connection:

    • Explain a time where you felt coerced or manipulated by a leader, how did that make you feel?

    • Have you ever been in a situation where you resorted to coercion and manipulation? What did you learn from it? How would persuasion have served you better in that scenario?

  • Questions for Group Discussion:

    • The line between coercion and persuasion can be fine sometimes. What are some differences that you recognize between the two?

    • What are questions we can ask ourselves do determine what is persuasion versus the more destructive manipulation and coercion?

    • What tactics have you used as a leader to persuade your team to buy in to ideas or decisions?

  • After exploring this practice, here are outcomes we would like to see established in participants:

    • Participants will have a healthy understanding of the differences between coercion, manipulation, and persuasion.

    • Participants will refine their skills of persuasion and will effectively be able to lead their teams forward into unknown territory.

 

Featured Scripture

2 Corinthians 5:11-15

Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

 

Featured Reading