Anyone
who has spent much time around toddlers knows that smiles can turn to tears at
the drop of a hat.
Parents
also know the frustration of making them do what they don’t want to do. Whether
it’s time to leave the park or put on their rain jacket, toddlers are
unpredictable. They are as apt to throw a full-blown tantrum as go along. Parenting
books recommend how to sidestep a confrontation and elicit their cooperation.
But how do you influence behavior in the work environment?
The
advice is simple…listen. You can’t force your co-workers to adopt new behaviors
but you can inspire them to act differently. As a leader, use the communication skills you have been trained to practice. Articulate clearly the behavior you
would like to see and why. Then stop and listen to their reactions. Ask
questions about how they feel, how this would impact their job routine, what
they think the obstacles might be. Listen well and understand what the new
actions will mean to them.
By empathizing with their perspective, you
will be far more effective at influencing their behavior.
