Coaching for Leaders

676: How to Change People’s Minds, with Michael McQueen


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Michael McQueen: Mindstuck

Michael McQueen has spent the past two decades helping organizations and leaders win the battle for relevance. He specializes in helping clients navigate uncertainty and stay one step ahead of change.

Michael is a bestselling author of nine books and a familiar face on the international conference circuit, having shared the stage with the likes of Bill Gates, Dr. John C. Maxwell, and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. Having formerly been named Australia’s Keynote Speaker of the Year, he has been inducted into the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame. He is the author of Mindstuck: Mastering the Art of Changing Minds*.

There’s a lot of evidence that our minds would rather feel right than be right. How then, do you influence someone when they are really convinced of their position? In this conversation, Michael and I discuss the initial steps that help in changing people’s minds.

Key Points
  • Our tendency is to convince to the inquiring mind, but we’ll do better if we speak to the instinctive mind first.
  • Help others lessen loss and maintain dignity by preserving titles, language, and symbols in things that are new.
  • Instead of trying to make an argument, ask a question that allows the other person to listen to themselves.
  • Ask questions that clarify points of resistance or misunderstanding.
  • Speak like you’re right, listen like you’re wrong.
  • Resources Mentioned
    • Mindstuck: Mastering the Art of Changing Minds* by Michael McQueen
    • Interview Notes

      Download my interview notes in PDF format (free membership required).

      Related Episodes
      • The Way to Influence Executives, with Nancy Duarte (episode 450)
      • Four Habits That Derail Listening, with Oscar Trimboli (episode 500)
      • Three Practices for Thriving in Negotiations, with William Ury (episode 669)
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