The Secret of Being Influential | Catherine Mattiske

Jan 9 / Catherine Mattiske

Finding Common Ground Makes You More Influential

When you find common ground with someone, you instantly become more influential. People are more likely to listen to you, trust you, and be persuaded by you when they feel like you understand them. And the best way to find common ground is to simply ask questions and listen attentively to the answers.

The Power of Questions

Asking questions is a powerful way to find common ground because it shows that you care about understanding the other person's perspective. When you take the time to ask someone about their experiences, thoughts, and feelings, they are more likely to feel valued and respected. And when people feel valued and respected, they are more likely to be open to hearing what you have to say.

Of course, it's not enough just to ask any old question. The questions you ask should be specific and relevant to the conversation at hand. These are high-impact questions. For example, if you're trying to build rapport with a new client, you might ask them about their business goals and objectives. If you're trying to connect with a friend or family member, you might ask about their favorite memories from childhood.

The key is to tailor your questions so that they open up a dialogue that allows you both to share information and get to know each other better. When done effectively, this back-and-forth exchange will help create a strong foundation of trust and mutual understanding.

The Importance of Listening

In addition to asking questions, it's also important that you listen attentively to the answers. Active listening requires that you not only hear what the other person is saying but also make an effort to understand their point of view. This means paying attention not just to the words they're using but also to their tone of voice and body language.

For example, if someone tells you they're feeling stressed out at work, pay attention to how they say it. Do they sound overwhelmed? Anxious? Exhausted? By picking up on these nonverbal cues, you'll be able to gain a deeper understanding of how they're feeling and what they might need from you.

How to find common ground with anyone

Finding common ground is essential for building meaningful connections with others. Whether we are working with our colleagues at the office, interacting with friends and family, or meeting new people in our communities, it is crucial that we learn to truly listen and understand what others are saying. By taking the time to learn about one another's perspectives and experiences, we can gain a better understanding of how we can best communicate and interact effectively. And by communicating openly and honestly, we can begin to influence each other's ideas, thoughts, and beliefs.

But finding common ground isn't always easy; it requires us to tap into our Inner Genius – our unique blend of knowledge, skills, creativity, energy, and passion. When we're in our "Genius Zone," everything seems possible, and nothing can stop us from reaching out to others and exploring new opportunities for collaboration and growth. With time and practice, it becomes easier to tap into this innate power within ourselves – the ability to learn from one another and connect with others as equals. In short, finding common ground is about communicating openly with each other – out heart to heart – where real change begins.

So let us all learn from one another – our differences are connected by a deeper understanding that brings forth a richer understanding of who we really are...and who we can become together.

3 Ways to Find Common Ground to Build Connection and Ultimately Influence

We've all been there before. You're at a networking event, or perhaps you're meeting someone for the first time. The conversation is going well, but then it hits a wall. You can't seem to find anything in common with this person. What do you do next?

The answer is simple: find some common ground. When you have something in common with someone, it's much easier to build a connection with them. And when you have a strong connection with someone, you can influence them more easily. Here are three tips for finding common ground with others.

1. Talk about your hobbies and interests.

One of the best ways to find common ground with someone is to talk about your hobbies and interests. Do you like to read? Do you enjoy hiking? Do you like to play video games? Whatever it is that you're into, chances are there's someone else out there who shares your interest. And when you find that person, you'll instantly have something to bond over.

2. Talk about your experiences.

Another great way to find common ground is to talk about your experiences. Everyone has been through good times and bad times, so sharing your experiences is a great way to connect with others on a deeper level. People love hearing stories, so don't be afraid to share yours!

3. Talk about your values.

Values are another great way to find common ground with others. What do you believe in? What do you stand for? When you share your values with others, it gives them a better sense of who you are and what you're all about. Plus, it can help spark some interesting conversations!

What if you Simply Don’t Like the Person?

Finding common ground can often seem like an impossible task, especially when you are dealing with someone that you don't like, have different values or disagree with. This is because it requires two people to learn about each other, connect on a deeper level, and communicate openly and honestly. However, the key to finding common ground is ultimately about calling on your Inner Genius and entering into your "Genius Zone." By cultivating this influence mindset and tapping into your authentic self, you will be able to learn from others, influence them in new ways, and establish more meaningful connections. So, remember, when faced with a challenging situation or person, don't give up - take some time to reconnect with your Inner Genius and find out where the common ground really lies. Within all of us, there is common ground. It may mean discovering something simple that you both like, like a favorite food, what led them to work where they do, sports, or where they live. There is something that you can find, however small it may be to start the foundations of common ground. After all, there is always something valuable to learn and something beautiful to discover in even the most unlikely of places.

In Conclusion

When it comes to influencing others, finding common ground is essential. By taking the time to ask questions and really listen to the answers, you'll be able to build rapport, earn trust, and establish a strong connection with the other person. Whether it's talking about your hobbies, experiences, or values, taking the time to find some common ground will help you build stronger relationships with the people in your life. And when people feel comfortable with and understood by you, they'll be much more receptive to your influence. 
Catherine Mattiske

About Catherine mattiske

Catherine Mattiske, best known for creating ID9 Intelligent Design and the Genius Quotient (GQ), is a leading light in the corporate learning and team-building industries. She regularly works with large and small organizations to help team members better understand one another while effectively collaborating and boosting individual and team morale and productivity in the workplace.

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