How to convince a skeptic

Sometimes swaying a skeptical executive to accept a new idea can seem like an uphill battle, but there are strategies to help, says Harvard Business Review.

Swaying an executive to accept an idea is tough, especially if she’s a skeptic.To overcome her cynicism, you need to adjust your style. Here are three ways to influence a non-believer:1. Co-present with a trusted source. Skeptics are highly suspicious of any information that challenges their world views. You can increase your chances of success by sharing the stage with someone the executive believes in.2. Demonstrate endorsements. You need as much credibility as you can garner. Ask others who support your idea to let the executive know.3. Stroke egos. Skeptics respond to flattery. Start sentences with, ‘You’ve probably seen this data already…’* The Management Tip of the Day offers quick, practical management tips and ideas from Harvard Business Review and HBR.org (http:\\www.hbr.org). Today’s management tip was adapted from the book, Harvard Business Review on Communicating Effectively. – Nampa-Reuters