The article outlines five decision-making styles of executives: Charismatics, Thinkers, Skeptics, Followers, and Controllers. Here's a summary of each style and how to recognize them:
Charismatics (25%):
Characteristics: Easily enthralled by new ideas, process information visually, enthusiastic, captivating, talkative, dominant, persistent, risk-seeking yet responsible.
Decision-Making Style: Methodical decision-making, tempered enthusiasm with reality, seek facts to support emotions, prefer arguments tied to bottom-line results.
Persuasion Tips: Undersell parts of the proposal, focus on results, use visual aids, be honest about risks, keep discussions results-oriented, use buzzwords like results, proven, actions, and clear.
Thinkers (11%):
Characteristics: Cerebral, intelligent, logical, academic, voracious readers, selective about words, driven by the need to anticipate change and win.
Decision-Making Style: Analytical, quantitative, averse to risk, seeks comprehensive data and methodologies.
Persuasion Tips: Communicate worries openly, provide detailed methodology, be prepared for a barrage of questions, give ample time for decision-making, use buzzwords like quality, academic, think, and numbers.
Skeptics (19%):
Characteristics: Highly suspicious, strong personalities, demanding, disruptive, rebellious, antisocial, acts on feelings.
Decision-Making Style: Aggressive questioning, challenges information, distrustful of abstract ideas, quick decision-making.
Persuasion Tips: Establish credibility, correct misinformation delicately, challenge cautiously, appeal to their desire for groundbreaking ideas, use buzzwords like feel, grasp, power, and trust.
Followers (36%):
Characteristics: Cautious decision-makers, rely on past choices or trusted executives' decisions, risk-averse, good at seeing the world through others' eyes.
Decision-Making Style: Reluctant early adopters, focus on proven methods, influenced by references and testimonials.
Persuasion Tips: Emphasize proven and innovative solutions, provide references and testimonials, show success in similar contexts, use buzzwords like innovate, expedite, and similar to.
Controllers (9%):
Characteristics: Abhor uncertainty, logical, unemotional, detail-oriented, analytical, overbearing, self-absorbed, prone to making unilateral decisions.
Decision-Making Style: Fearful, seeks accuracy and facts, avoids being held accountable, prefers structured and linear arguments.
Persuasion Tips: Overcome internal fears, supply detailed information by experts, let them make the choice to buy, be patient, avoid aggressive pushing, use buzzwords like details, facts, logic, and reason.
Understanding these styles and tailoring your approach accordingly can enhance your effectiveness in persuading and influencing executives with diverse decision-making preferences.
Boosting Confidence
Boosting confidence in the moment can be achieved through various techniques and strategies. Here are some tools and tips that may help you upgrade your confidence quickly:
Power Poses:
Adopting a power pose, such as standing tall with hands on hips or arms raised, can influence your body language and, in turn, your confidence levels.
Imagine yourself successfully completing a task or achieving a goal. Visualization can help create a positive mental image and boost your confidence.
Positive Affirmations:
Repeat positive affirmations to yourself. Affirmations can help reframe negative thoughts and reinforce a positive mindset.
Focus on Strengths:
Remind yourself of your strengths and past successes. Reflecting on your abilities can provide an instant confidence boost.
Take Action:
Taking small, positive actions can lead to a sense of accomplishment and boost your confidence. Procrastination tends to erode confidence, so taking even a small step forward can make a difference.
Dress Well:
Wearing clothes that make you feel good about yourself can have a positive impact on your confidence. When you look good, you often feel more confident.
Positive Self-Talk:
Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive, affirming statements. Be your own supportive coach rather than a harsh critic.
Deep Breathing:
Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nerves and reduce anxiety. Deep, slow breaths can help center your mind and improve your overall sense of well-being.
Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps:
If you're facing a daunting task, break it into smaller, more manageable steps. Completing each step successfully can build confidence gradually.
Surround Yourself with Positivity:
Spend time with positive and supportive individuals. Their encouragement can have a direct impact on your confidence.
Celebrate Small Wins:
Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest achievements. Recognizing your successes, no matter how minor, can contribute to a positive mindset.
Use Positive Memories:
Recall instances when you felt confident and successful. Reflecting on past positive experiences can help recreate those feelings in the present.
Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques:
Practice mindfulness or grounding exercises to bring your focus to the present moment. This can help alleviate anxiety and boost confidence.
Comments