The indirect approach is a good way to get people to change their behavior, while not offending them or causing resentment. This works very well for your online marketing business when you want to assist your team and spur them on to greater success.
When Charles Schwab came across some of his employees smoking, immediately under a “No Smoking” sign, he walked over to the men, handed each one a cigar, and said, “I’ll appreciate it, boys, if you will smoke these on the outside.”
It was very clear that he knew what they were up to, and that it was not acceptable, but he was subtle in his approach.
You can be sure they got the message, and they may have been a bit embarrassed at being caught, but they would not have been offended by his approach.
In a previous discussion we talked about how to begin a conversation that involved correcting unacceptable actions or behaviors in others – begin with praise and honest appreciation. There is an additional change that can be made: avoid using the word “but”.
Compare this approach … Joe, you did a great job with Mr. Smith last week. He was completely satisfied that you had fixed the problem for him, but don’t forget to check your work before presenting to your customer from now on.
The praise and honest appreciation is negated by the critical statement that followed the “but.”
Often people will question the sincerity of the praise, feeling as though it was just a lead-in to the criticism.
This could be easily overcome by changing the word “but” to “and.”
Now have a look at this approach … Joe, you did a great job with Mr. Smith last week. He was completely satisfied that you had fixed the problem for him, and you’ll remember to check your work before presenting to your customer from now on.
Notice how the negativity is removed by changing this one small word! It is a simple and effective way to get your point across.
