THE SOULFUL ART OF PERSUASION

Genuine persuasion in today's world, says Mekanism founder Jason Harris, doesn't come about as a result of manipulation, pressure tactics or trickery -- it is about fostering the habits and traits that one needs to develop in order to be persuasive in any situation. It is about character and core values, rather than salesmanship.

In an age of unparalleled transparency and pervasive social media, where our actions and motivations are clear to everyone, being a persuasive person, whether in our work lives or in our personal lives, is not about persuading others to do something they don't really want to do. Genuine persuasion today is about developing the habits that will allow you to listen to others, communicate your goals, values and reason honestly, and win them over to your point of view because it is good for them. To be persuasive today, Jason Harris says, you need to put your true self forward, and stay true to your values. It is not about going for the quick sell, or closing, or trying to sell something you wouldn't buy for yourself.

Among the eleven habits of a truly persuasive character, Harris says, are the importance of listening fully; developing a natural curiosity about other people; being reliable and keeping promises; practicing positivity -- being the kind of person that others always want around. It is about being generous, and trying to give people something in every interaction, from a complement to a recommendation, from a piece of advice to an actual gift. It is about respecting other people's values and motivations, and sharing the stage. It is about collaboration, not winning. About personal excellence, and doing some good in the world.

Jason Harris is the president and CEO of the award-winning creative agency Mekanism, with offices in New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Seattle, creating provocative campaigns for such iconic brands as Adidas, HBO, Nasdaq, Amazon, The North Face and The United Nations. In 2015, Harris was named #5 on the list of the top 10 most influential social impact leaders.