Have you ever had difficulty effectively conveying an idea or making an impression in a job interview? Have you ever failed miserably at a sales pitch?
If you have, don’t worry; almost every entrepreneur has encountered similar challenges. However, successful leaders learn how to overcome the obstacles to their influence. This requires more than just adjusting your communication style; it entails a deep exploration of the unconscious motivations behind your behavior and your hidden convictions.
For many people, this may seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and best-selling author René Rodriguez has already done the groundwork. In his latest book, Amplify Your Influence, Rodriguez explains how entrepreneurs can enhance their communication and boost their influence through self-discovery.
Discover your hidden drivers.
We often believe we know what drives us and why we act the way we do. Rodriguez argues that it’s not that simple. Instead of consciously making decisions, he suggests that we are guided by certain hidden motivators, making changing behavior a challenging task.
“Most people focus on how behavior influences outcomes, so when we desire new results, we attempt to alter behavior, which is a major misstep,” he said in a recent interview with Brilliant Thoughts editor Tristan Ahumada. “Because how do we usually react to behavior change—acceptance or resistance? Resistance.”
As much as we wish we could alter our behavior and achieve different results, all we do is provoke resistance. Rodriguez suggests that to achieve a different outcome, you must address the deep-seated beliefs that inform your actions.
“Our beliefs drive our behaviors,” he stated. “If we were to delve deeper into that concept of beliefs, there is a broad area of study that this book is built on, which is the notion that my beliefs steer my behavior.”
Develop your inner storyteller.
In a highly competitive world, setting yourself apart is not easy. To Rodriguez, the ability to tell your story in a captivating manner is the key to establishing trust and connections with others.
“I tell people that the best speakers are the best storytellers, and the best storytellers are also the most introspective about their own lives,” he said. “They are also very present and in the moment, and what I mean by that, and I’m not suggesting this isn’t a mindfulness practice, is being attentive to all the occurrences.”
Personal storytelling does not require an extraordinary life or embellishments. It simply requires you to delve deep into your values and experiences to unveil the inherent significance.
