6 Videos To Make You More Influential At Work

A common theme I hear is, "How can I be more persuasive or influential at work?"

We have ideas we need to sell to coworkers and those higher up.

We have to get along with people who aren't very easy to get along with.

We have to get customers to understand why they're making a great decision.

The list goes on. So here are the videos.

Shawn Achor: The Happy Secret To Better Work

Shawn's video is the funniest of the bunch. He talks fast. But he lays the foundation for everything that's important in persuasion. You're attitude and happiness.

People who are happier sell more. They're more resilient to setbacks. Ultimately, they're more successful.

Watch Shawn's video. Take notes.

Quick note: Last year, when I read Shawn's book, The Happiness Advantage, I started doing the 3 good things exercise. I started it at the dinner table. We go around the table and everyone has to give 3 good things that happened today. The kids love it and it's changed our dinner conversations for the better.

Science of Persuasion

I've posted this video here before. I first read the original version Dr. Cialdini's book Influence almost 20 years ago. It's one of those books I've read again and again.

The six principles mentioned here can be used in any work environment. Reciprocity and liking are the most obvious. But when you learn how to leverage the others you'll be three steps ahead of everyone else.

Amy Cuddy: Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are

Before you can influence others you have to influence yourself. The easiest way is with your body language.

It's been repeatedly demonstrated that our body language influences the way we feel. When you need to influence someone, it's important you're able to put your best self forward.

Watch Amy's talk. And use these simple tweaks to help you become the best "you" before you put yourself out there.

Dan Ariely: Are We In Control Of Our Decisions?

Most likely, you're not.

You think you are. But you're not.

There are many variables you can manipulate and change the way your ideas are framed. Dan gives you a couple of great examples you can quickly use to make your ideas the default options.

Dan's book Predictably Irrational is one of, if not the most enjoyable books on behavioral economics.

Dan Ariely: What Makes Us Feel Good About Our Work?

Everyone wants their work recognized. This talk by Dan shows how ignoring someone's effort will destroy their motivation.

If you want to be a person of influence, notice what others miss: The effort put into their work. You'll make others feel good and happier to keep working for you.

This Video Will Make You Angry

As Robert Cialdini said in the video above, liking is a big motivator. However, the quickest way to trigger liking isn't by sharing the same interests. It's by sharing a hatred of the same issues.

We bond around anger. Using a common enemy is a great way to bring a group together. It's a great way to find common ground with someone you may not get along with.

And, it will put your friend's political Facebook posts (maybe yours too) in a new light.

Now, go put these to use.