Winning People

I had an epiphany today in regard to persuasion. Persuasion has a bit to do with logic and far more to do with community. That never occurred to me before, but now that I see it this way, it connects quite a few dots.

If I have a belief about something, and it means a great deal to those I know, then wandering away from that belief can potentially threaten my relationships. Look at Elon Musk, former beloved child of the environmental left. Where they once adored him, now because he's aligned reducing government waste and with President Trump, they've abandoned him completely, declared him Hitler, and draw swastikas on his cars.

He still has the same environmental beliefs he did. He still believes in electric vehicles and the strength of solar power. That hasn't changed. But because he has a belief contrary to theirs, they've ostracized him.

His inner strength of character enables him to stand alone. But many people are afraid to stand alone. Solitary confinement is not for everyone.

Why do we fail to persuade people to change their minds? I believe that it has far more to do leaving their network - their community - than it does a failure of logic. I believe that most people fear being cast out.

You hear this in Hollywood with the closet conservative, who whispers to a few selected people that they don't agree with the radical left, but they would lose jobs and friends and status if they voiced their disagreement.

We hear this from business owners who are afraid to endorse the better candidate. Instead, they shrug and get the selfie with the bad incumbent because it's better for their business.

Today, thinking quite a bit about this today, I added about ten slides to the seminar.

Persuasion isn't about convincing people that they are wrong.

Persuasion is about convincing people that they will have a community if they get thrust out from the one they've called home for so very long.

If you're older than fifty, that can be quite scary. Loneliness is rough.

I believe I know a way through this. I'm excited to show these new slides at my next seminar. I'm very interested to hear the reaction. I certainly plan to write about it in the next book, Prepare Lead Win.

5 Comments

Paulette (May 11, 2025 7:36 PM):

Fabulous observations! Looking forward to the new slides and next book.

Martha Johnson (May 11, 2025 7:50 PM):

Thank you for sharing! This is spot on!

Mack (May 11, 2025 10:49 PM):

John 9:22

Deana (May 12, 2025 12:00 AM):

I can't wait to see the slides.

Randy Reeves (May 12, 2025 7:32 AM):

The warrior in me can't agree with this logic, even though I know its factual. I have experienced this phenomenon in my past. Loosing old friends is tough.
"The Goal Is To Win" sets a course of of cooperation and coordination with like minded people. Declaring you are now in a different "camp" takes guts. Guts to swim against the flow, guts to denounce old thoughts and so on. Ultimately, it's not about my comfort. Its about a better future for yet to be born generations. Thankfully our founding fathers neither feared or shied away from their challenges. We too should have the same warrior convictions.