Ideas are fuzzy until you're able to put them into words, then they become concrete and real. Use this to your advantage to be more persuasive with customers.
I agree with a lot of this - one thing I'd add though is there are studies out there which show when you admit something you're not good at, you seem more trustworthy for things you claim to be good at. For example, in the sales process - acknowledging a small weakness helps increase credibility of the major claims. There's always a bit of a danger I think of trying to appear flawless.
For sure, I think these two ideas coexist well and are not at odds. IMO the key is admitting something that’s not relevant to how you’re being evaluated. I had a coworker who led customer success who would say “I have to admit I was terrible at physics.” I always thought that was a great example of seeming to admit a weakness, but that weakness being so obviously irrelevant to their job.
This goes well with your article on skipping straight to the part where the bear eats you. I struggle with this compulsion to provide context before getting into the meat of the story or presentation. Again, a good reminder to cut out the unnecessary information at the beginning.
I am teaching my 8yo a bit about context while understanding and communicating ideas. Framing and sequencing of words is a great skill to set the context quickly and effectively (and not just for my 8yo 😃). Thanks for articulating your ideas so well.
Love this explanation! I see this all the time when copy editing, especially with Dutch clients. Striking a balance of good energy, honesty, and conciseness is an art!
I love this so much! Once, I was shopping for a mattress, and looking at a premium model. The salesperson said “this mattress is so much better than [knockoff].” Before he said that, I didnt know that the knockoff existed, and at a fraction of the price. I ended up buying the knockoff and have been sleeping peacefully on it for YEARS
In my work world -- mediation and conflict resolution -- we talk a lot about framing and reframing, particularly negative vs positive frames. Your examples illustrated this so well, like the classic before and after we teach in basic mediation: Before (in a case involving money): How could you split the difference? After: How might you share the difference?
I agree with a lot of this - one thing I'd add though is there are studies out there which show when you admit something you're not good at, you seem more trustworthy for things you claim to be good at. For example, in the sales process - acknowledging a small weakness helps increase credibility of the major claims. There's always a bit of a danger I think of trying to appear flawless.
For sure, I think these two ideas coexist well and are not at odds. IMO the key is admitting something that’s not relevant to how you’re being evaluated. I had a coworker who led customer success who would say “I have to admit I was terrible at physics.” I always thought that was a great example of seeming to admit a weakness, but that weakness being so obviously irrelevant to their job.
Really love this response and completely agree.
This goes well with your article on skipping straight to the part where the bear eats you. I struggle with this compulsion to provide context before getting into the meat of the story or presentation. Again, a good reminder to cut out the unnecessary information at the beginning.
I am teaching my 8yo a bit about context while understanding and communicating ideas. Framing and sequencing of words is a great skill to set the context quickly and effectively (and not just for my 8yo 😃). Thanks for articulating your ideas so well.
Great article Wes!!!
That was good !
Love this explanation! I see this all the time when copy editing, especially with Dutch clients. Striking a balance of good energy, honesty, and conciseness is an art!
I love this so much! Once, I was shopping for a mattress, and looking at a premium model. The salesperson said “this mattress is so much better than [knockoff].” Before he said that, I didnt know that the knockoff existed, and at a fraction of the price. I ended up buying the knockoff and have been sleeping peacefully on it for YEARS
All about reframing! Slight switch in words can be impactful ❤️
In my work world -- mediation and conflict resolution -- we talk a lot about framing and reframing, particularly negative vs positive frames. Your examples illustrated this so well, like the classic before and after we teach in basic mediation: Before (in a case involving money): How could you split the difference? After: How might you share the difference?