7 Psychological Tricks That Make Life More Colorful and Careers Soar
Here are some highly useful and easy-to-apply psychological tricks.
1. The Pygmalion Effect: Expectations Are the Key to Success
The Pygmalion Effect explains that one's expectations can influence the results they achieve. If you believe that you or others will succeed, it's more likely to happen. In a career, this is extremely powerful. If a manager believes in their subordinate's potential, the subordinate is likely to perform better. Conversely, if you constantly doubt yourself, you may unconsciously set yourself up for failure.
How to use it:
At work, believe in your team's abilities and offer genuine support.
For yourself, visualize success and convince yourself that you can achieve your goals.
2. The Zeigarnik Effect: The Power of Unfinished Tasks
Have you ever found yourself constantly thinking about an incomplete task? That's the Zeigarnik Effect. The human brain naturally tends to remember unfinished tasks more than completed ones. This can be a weapon or a boomerang. When used well, it can motivate you to finish your work. However, if you have too many pending tasks, you can feel anxious and overwhelmed.
How to use it:
When you feel stuck, don't procrastinate. Finish a task bit by bit, even if it's just a small part.
If you need a break, try to end your work at a point that's easy to pick up again. This makes it easier to get back into it.
3. The Foot-in-the-Door Technique
This technique leverages the fact that people who have agreed to a small request are more likely to agree to a larger one. In a professional context, this is very useful for negotiation or persuasion.
How to use it:
When you want to ask for something big, start with a very small and simple request.
For example, if you want a manager to approve a major project, start by asking for a few minutes to present the idea, and only then introduce the core proposal.
4. The Door-in-the-Face Technique
This technique is the opposite of the previous one. You make a very large request that you know will be rejected, and then immediately after, you make a smaller request that is your main goal. The person who rejected the first request will feel guilty and be more likely to agree to the second one.
How to use it:
For instance, if you want a 10% raise, you can first try asking for a 20% raise. When it's rejected, offer to compromise at 10%. This technique is highly effective in negotiations.
5. Harnessing the Power of Silence
Many people feel uncomfortable with silence and tend to fill it with talking. This is a big mistake in negotiation or important conversations. The right silence can be a very powerful tool. When you ask a question and the other person goes quiet, don't rush to answer or fill the silence. Let them think and respond. Often, they will provide more information or agree to your ideas.
How to use it:
After asking an important question, pause for a few seconds. Let the other person respond. This shows that you are listening and value their answer.
6. The Principle of Similarity
Humans tend to like and trust people who have similarities to them. These similarities can be hobbies, interests, background, or even a way of speaking. Identifying and highlighting these similarities can build stronger relationships more quickly.
How to use it:
Before meeting a new client or colleague, find out a little about their interests.
Start the conversation by mentioning a similarity you've found, such as, "Wow, I heard you also like hiking. What mountains have you climbed?"
7. The Power of Reciprocity: Giving to Receive
The principle of reciprocity states that when someone gives something, another person will feel compelled to return the favor. This is a fundamental principle of social interaction. Giving genuine help, information, or even a compliment can create a strong bond and make others more willing to help you in the future.
How to use it:
At work, give help without expecting an immediate return. Share your knowledge or offer support to a colleague.
If you need to ask for help, start by giving something to that person, such as a recommendation or just a sincere compliment.
Understanding and applying these psychological tricks won't turn you into a manipulator; they'll make you a more perceptive and effective individual in your interactions. By practicing these simple things, you can build better relationships, achieve career goals, and make daily life feel much easier.
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