Mr. or Mrs. Mind Made Up
"My minds made up. Don't confuse me with facts." Amazing Quotes
I have done my share of convincing or attempting to convince in my decades of leading and even today as I sell high-end products in one of my businesses. I've got the scars to prove it. I do indeed do my homework before convincing another. That is to say, I'll engage in introspection, map out my idea, and or bounce my idea or argument off a trusted colleague or mentor. Often I've won the day. I don't see it as a victory for myself, rather, a win for the organization writ large. I believe, in most cases, aside from attempting to convince a boss you deserve to advance, it is a dangerous proposition to convince another for the sole benefit of yourself. Leaders should always keep the greater team at the fore. Leadership is influence after all, therefore leaders should do a lot of convincing. Sometimes, however, the one leaders are convincing - superior or subordinate, has their mind made up.
In our post 9/11 war on terrorism, we were targeting those with a twisted and sick ideology centered around the destruction of another race and religion through acts of violence. There were no convincing terrorists. Their minds were made up and they, like a cancer, had to be eliminated. It's not time to wage war on those whose minds are made up, but it may be the convincing attempt you want to avoid.
Indeed, there are persuasion approaches one can use to change another's mind and they ought to be your starting point. Here is a short article which outlines some steps to persuasion. One in particular is, "go for no." "What about this doesn't work for you?" This question is a pressure relief for the one trying to be convinced. It is part of campaign to get them to 'yes.' This method aside, In my experience, I've come across a few Mr. or Mrs. Mind Made Up. These are the people who have that look of bewilderment when you present something different or who, you can tell, are not listening. I have found a few of these people blinded by their own convictions. They are so convinced by their beliefs that they cannot hear the ideas of others let alone surrender to their beliefs for the greater good. There is no room in an organization for these people in my experience.
Organizations grow - they don't stagnate or stand still, especially in today's rapidly changing, technologically dominated world. With this growth comes change and those who have made up their minds will get left behind. Moreover, those who have their minds made up will fail to see the real human beings they interact with and the impact of their 'blindness.'
When you encounter a Mr. or Mrs. Mind Made Up, do indeed attempt some convincing. You have to at least try. You can ask questions such as, "when was your mind changed last?" Or start with, "I want to offer something new or different," and see how they react. Once you have discovered that they've decided, gently back off, reevaluate your approach or thank them and send them on their way.
Do the hard work as a leader. Be able to look yourself in the mirror and say that you tried but when you encounter a Mr. or Mrs. Mind made up - if they are your superior, proceed with caution or do yourself a favor and exit the room and the organization. If they are your subordinate, thank them for their service and send them on their way. Nobody wants a Mr. or Mrs. Mind Made Up.
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell