Squiggly Careers Squiggly Shortcut: How to Influence People Who Disagree With You
14 snips
Feb 26, 2026 A fresh take on influencing framed as collaboration, not persuasion. Tips on starting with curiosity and listening to understand objections. Ways to involve others in shaping solutions and surface practical blockers. Suggestions for using follow-ups to get actionable input. Guidance on linking ideas to outcomes the other person actually cares about.
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Start By Listening Not Persuading
- Do start by listening rather than persuading when someone disagrees with your idea.
- Sarah Ellis recommends asking open questions like what would get in the way and what has worked well to learn their real objections.
Invite Them To Co-Create The Solution
- Do involve the other person in challenge and building rather than pitching a finished solution.
- Sarah Ellis suggests asking what has worked in their organisation and what problems stop people developing to invite their ideas.
Hold Ideas Loosely And Ask What Won't Work
- Do adapt your proposal and hold your ideas lightly so people can relax and contribute alternatives.
- Sarah Ellis recommends saying what typically works then asking what definitely wouldn't work here to surface constraints.
