To create a positive initial impact and pave the way for an engaging discussion, you merely need to utter one sentence.
Likability
issues, whether personal or professional. This involves addressing them properly.
good first impression
matters.
As even an authority as authoritative as
Mark Cuban
states, being kind is among
the least overrated abilities in running a business
, and studies support this view. Likeable individuals possess several key traits:
-
More likely to be
capable of inspiring and affecting -
More
effective leaders -
More
successful in sales -
More likely to
develop and sustain positive connections -
More likely to be
promoted or hired
How do you create a strong initial impression? Consider putting the
three-questions rule
into motion. You might utilize the
the self-fulfilling prophecy related to expected acceptance
In certain circumstances, you might want to consider
being a positive opposite
.
Alternatively, you could simply do this.
The 30-Second Rule
Creating a positive initial impression essentially involves presenting your best self: your identity, your work, and your achievements.
This strategy becomes particularly alluring when you’re feeling anxious, or when you encounter someone you view as having greater power or influence. (In sales, each prospective buyer holds more sway, at least since they have the final say on making a purchase.)
Leadership writer John Maxwell’s 30-second rule reverses this idea. As Maxwell states in
25 Strategies to Succeed with Individuals
When individuals receive your attention, affirmation, and appreciation, they tend to perform better and feel more positive.
His objective is straightforward: In the initial half-minute of dialogue, share an appreciative or uplifting remark.
However, avoid being cliché: Praising someone’s outfit or looks might come off as superficial, even if you mean it sincerely; such compliments often fail to leave a lasting impression. Instead, utilize the initial 30 seconds to uncover something deeper. Pose a query, yet refrain from using it as an opportunity to shift focus back onto yourself. Experts in psychology refer to these as “boomerang questions.”
Rather than focusing on yourself, shift your attention to the other individual. If you inquire, “What do you do?” avoid following up with information about yourself.
you
My favorite method is to comment on how challenging their profession appears and praise their skill at handling it.
When encountering someone in a leadership position, I might comment, “It seems you believe your contentment stems from the achievements of those around you.” This remark serves as an indirect compliment and encourages them to discuss the difficulties and benefits associated with guiding and collaborating with others.
When interacting with individuals in sales roles, I often remark, “I respect how you can face rejection frequently yet continue pushing forward. I doubt I would have the resilience to handle such challenges.” This comment serves as an immediate compliment and encourages them to discuss their inner drive, emphasizing sustained effort rather than quick outcomes.
This method transforms the mandatory “What do you do?” query into an engaging discussion starter, particularly when coming from someone new to you.
Why? We all enjoy discussing our own lives:
study published in
National Academy of Sciences Proceedings
discovered that discussing our own experiences triggers heightened activity in areas of the brain linked to rewards and satisfaction, similar to those activated by money, food, and even sexual activities.
When you encounter someone new, apply the 30-second guideline and discover something positive or uplifting to share with them. (In fact, compliments and encouragement often complement each other; praising someone subtly motivates them to keep up their good work or behavior.)
Share something positive, then encourage them to share more about themselves. Pose some questions. Find out what new things they’ve discovered. Seek their insights and suggestions.
As the writers of a
study published in
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
write:
As individuals pose additional inquiries, they are viewed as being more responsive—an interpersonal attribute encompassing qualities like attentiveness, comprehension, acknowledgment, and concern.
Individuals who pose inquiries, especially subsequent ones, tend to be more favorably received by the person they’re conversing with. Moreover, individuals who have recently received praise are significantly more inclined to engage constructively when asked further questions.
As Maxwell puts it, “Those who contribute to our lives attract us towards them, whereas those who take away from our lives make us move away.”
Utilize those initial 30 seconds to make an impact. Afterward, dedicate the remainder of your interaction to demonstrating that you genuinely care about the other individual.
person
: an individual with distinctive experiences, viewpoints, expertise, and thoughts.
Since each person possesses distinct experiences, viewpoints, expertise, and thoughts. Simply asking will get you what you need.
And enjoy the initial benefits — and opportunities for building relationships.
This posting initially appeared at
com
.
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