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3 ways to spur tired people into action

Kim Arnold

Updated: 1 day ago


I’m working through my second box of tissues this week, mainlining Lemsip and croaking my way through calls.


You too? It’s that time of year when we’re all tired, ill, and ready to stop work.


But frustratingly our to-do lists are still going strong. There’s still so much to get done before the holidays, right?


And lots of it seems to involve getting other people to do stuff.


So how do we spur people into action when they’d rather hibernate till January?


How do we get them to do what we want (without them taking out a restraining order on us)?

Here are 3 simple strategies that our clients are loving right now:


1. Offer a favour


‘How about I do a first draft of the client email? You can then just give me your comments – it’ll be easier for you than starting from scratch.’


Why this works: The law of reciprocity states that if someone offers us a favour (in this instance drafting the email) we’re more likely to respond with a favour back (reviewing the email quickly).


My client Eli tried this approach recently and got a senior stakeholder to agree a report after weeks of ghosting.


2. Lighten the mood


‘You might prefer to gouge your eyes out with a spoon than review this document again…’


Why this works: When we’re tired and grouchy, it’s easy to try to pressure people into doing what we want. But humour makes us more likeable (used in the right context, of course). And studies show we’re more easily influenced by people we like.


My client Elaine tried this tactic last week and got her infamously grumpy client to crack a smile – and reply!


3. Give an out


‘Are you too swamped right now? Let me know if I should work with one of your team instead – I don’t want to keep bothering you.’


Why this works: Some people will be relieved to get your email and direct you to a team member. Others (the ‘Upholder’ archetype) will worry they’re not fulfilling their responsibilities and will reply immediately with an answer.


My client Glen emailed me this morning to say this strategy worked a treat to get his board report submissions nailed!


It just leaves me to say a big ol’ thank you for all your thoughtful replies this year – I’ve loved reading them and writing to you each week.


2025 will be a big year for us with a fresh new brand, a new edition of Email Attraction and a new decade for me personally (yes, I’ll turn, ahem, 40.)


In the meantime, happy, happy holidays to you and your family. ✨

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