Alastair Wallace explains why the word "because" transforms how people respond to requests. A photocopier study found 94% compliance when a reason was given versus 60% without one. Adding "because" plus a reason to any ask makes people far more likely to say yes.
Influence and persuasion is hard. No one wants to be that high-pressure leader that forcefully manipulates their team to do their bidding. I do a lot of training on this topic and have done for many years. It genuinely fascinates me because it's so important in pretty much every aspect of leading teams. If we can't influence effectively, can't sell our services, or products. Can't get shit done. Not good. One tip, based on some original research about using a photocopier, believe it or not, is to harness the amazing power of the word "because." Can you attend the session today? Because I have some important information to share. Can you deal with this customer? Because I'm working on a report. In the photocopier study, 94% of people allowed the researchers to skip the photocopier queue when they used a "because" statement, as opposed to only 60% who tried it without one. So, I need you to like and share this video with at least 2 friends or colleagues because it will help them improve their inferencing ability.
