Trying to influence a teenager is one of the most difficult things to do if life. Having failed for many years, I can now say I have found a way and that way is: be led by them.

Now, you may think this is letting them get their own way and you’d be right and wrong. Right because it’s their decision in the end, wrong because by working with them and their ideas, it allows you the chance to influence them towards a different and better decision.

Instead of being the nay-sayer, you become the positive and helpful guide, enabling them to see the real picture which their previously poorly-thought decision had not allowed them to see.

So, for example, if your child wants to become a professional footballer, despite not always being picked for the school team, support them with all the hard work they will need to do to achieve their dream. Their dream will soon change. And if it doesn’t, they will have a much greater chance of success by understanding the more realistic path they can now need to take.

Remember, the most important ingredient in successful influencing is time. Don’t rush it!

#influencingskills
#communicationskills
#conflictmanagement
#managementskills
#linemanagement