Entries by Mark Rodgers

The Psychology of Self‐Persuasion: The First Person Who Needs To Say ‘Yes’ Is You

Whether it’s chasing a new job, requesting a plumb assignment or making a budget pitch to your board of directors, we all talk to ourselves before we take action. Many psychologists have labeled this ongoing mental dialogue “self‐talk.” These internal comments impact thoughts, emotions, actions and ultimately careers and life itself. The following quote, attributed […]

Jim Morrison Was Right: People Are Strange

Jim Morrison, late singer for the iconic Sixties rock band The Doors, wrote a song with that line and that title for the group’s 1967 album, Strange Days. Why are people strange? Because we’re all different, that’s why. In some cases, we’re very different. The people you’re attempting to persuade — your targets — all […]

How (Not) to Ask for a Raise

How many times have you been tempted — or actually attempted — to finagle a raise by either using other people as a measuring stick for why you’re underpaid, focusing your attention on annual reviews or just outright asking for more money? That doesn’t work, does it? My best advice for getting a raise: Don’t […]

Use Your Eyes to Hear ‘Yes’ More Often

Considering how many scientific studies have been devoted to eyes over the past three decades, perhaps they truly are the windows to our souls. As far back as the 1980s, researchers have claimed that people perceive individuals who engage in eye contact as more trustworthy and likable than those who don’t. When you’re in the […]

Let’s Get Serious About Humor in the Workplace

Have you — or, worse, do you — work in an environment void of humor? That’s too bad, because the right kind of funny business can keep your business sharp, creative and, well, fun. Here are three tasks that humor in the workplace can accomplish: 1. Humor can aid in problem solving. Humor relieves some […]

How Color and Taste Impact ‘Yes’ and ‘No’

Did you know that the type of beverage you drink, the surface of the chair on which you sit, and the color of clothing you wear all play a role in getting to “yes” (or “no”) faster? Thalma Lobel, a Ph.D. and director of the child development center at Tel Aviv University, claims that decisions, […]