The Character of Persuasiveness

Character Leadership - The Character of Persuasiveness

“There is no persuasiveness more effectual than the transparency of a single heart, of a sincere life.” - Joseph B. Lightfoot

 

Definition:   To make someone do or believe something by giving them a good a good reason to do it by talking to them and making them believe it.

Ambiguity, Pushiness, and Apprehension, are the opposites of persuasiveness. These negative traits will drive us to use opposing and destructive ways to get someone to do something. It is the negative form of persuasiveness. We will become pushy instead of persuading with the right words and examples. We will stretch the truth and even lie to get what we want or someone to do things for us.

Persuasiveness advocates the truths to others with confidence so they can be changed in their thinking and helps us accomplish what we set out to do. We can do this with encouragement instead of being insensitive or pushy. This character trait of persuasiveness will also allow us to ride out the tough times of life and difficult situations by talking and convincing others to help us along the way. However, persuasiveness is not about convincing others to do things just any way, but to do things the right way. Persuading others to do the wrong things is not a good trait to have, even if we are persuasive.

Reflection:

Ask yourself; “Am I persuasive enough to get others help me get things done?” Commanding a person to do what is right may seem like the right thing to do, but it may not be permanent. It is better to persuade a person to do the right thing by conviction, where his own conscience will prevent him from repeating his wrong.

As Character leaders, we must extend ourselves to other people with persuasiveness and what flow out of persuasiveness are negotiation skills that benefit all. Argument is to forcefully put our point across. Sometimes this arouses emotions that do not address the problem at hand. It is better to persuade by using calm and controlled methods of putting a point across. To do so, we must also be timely and to be timely is to recognize that not everyone can respond to the right request favorably. It is better to wait for the right moment before asking a favor, present an idea or appeal for something.