The power of emotional influence
In those few minutes,Celine Dion demonstrated the power of emotional influence.
Influence is the act of affecting a person's character or behavior by means other than force or direct command. Influencers use the principles of persuasion and motivation to overcome obstacles or manage conflict. They inspire others to think differently, to see things from new perspectives, and even to change their behavior.
Here are a few principles of influence that Celine Dion put into action:
She encouraged respect.
Celine Dion could have ignored the disorderly fan. She could have deferred to her bodyguards or simply ran away. Instead, she showed the woman respect by acknowledging her and speaking to her.
Celine Dion even expressed appreciation for the fan, and set the tone through the calm manner she used when speaking.
If you approach people in a calm and reasonable manner, chances are much higher that they will respond in the same way. Acknowledge their difficulties and challenges, and they'll be much more willing to listen.
She sought a common ground.
At one point the fan says something inaudible, but Dion heard something she then used to strike a common ground.
"You know what?" Dion asks the woman. "We got something in common. We got babies that we love. And we're going to fight for them. And we're [both] wearing gold. That's a sign."
When attempting to persuade or convince, it's important to first find something upon which you both agree. It helps to view your counterpart as a partner or ally, instead of an enemy. It also helps you to frame your reasoning around the other person's priorities, increasing both trust and the probability they will cooperate with you moving forward.
She demonstrated empathy.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the thoughts or feelings of another, to put yourself in another person's shoes. It doesn't require you to share the same experiences or circumstances as others; rather, it's an attempt to imagine what the person is going through. It means resisting the urge to judge, and instead, trying to connect with the other person's feelings, to share them somehow.
Likely, Dion didn't know the specifics of this fan's personal circumstances. But she could likely relate to being in a situation where she was embarrassing herself, and where she's facing unknown problems below the surface. By using that feeling to relate, she was able to form a connection with the woman. This helped Dion then influence her to get off the stage calmly, quietly, and quickly.
This is just one example of how empathy works, but every day will bring new opportunities to develop this trait. In fact, every interaction you share with another person is a chance to see things from a different perspective, to share one's feelings, and to act.
Thanks, Celine, for showing us how it's done.
