Press/Articles/Books
Be Persuasive: Present Your Request as a Future Commitment
If you want to persuade someone to do you a favor, you’re more likely to succeed if you present it as something that is a few weeks or months...
read moreBeing Persuasive: Asking for Less can Lead to More
Too often, people ask for approval of their entire request, regardless of what it is. Asking for less the first time makes the request easier for someone to approve it, and if she approved it once, she is more likely to approve a subsequent request later.
read moreShould You Write the Way You Talk? To a Degree.
Writers should have a simplified, conversational tone, but not at the risk of wordiness. People are often told to "write the way you talk," but everyday speech is terribly inefficient, and the emphasis in business is on tight writing. Look for extra words in sentences that contribute nothing to the meaning.
read moreUse Vivid Language to Persuade People to Accept Your Idea
Asking an audience to do something or to agree with your viewpoint is more persuasive when you use vivid language and description that enables people to visualize the impact on them and others.
read moreHow Managers can Provide Effective Feedback
Feedback might be a manager's best tool for building stronger, more collaborative teams. Presenting specific, useful feedback in a way that is supportive and encouraging demonstrates caring and inspires trust.
read moreKeep Difficult Conversations in Balance
Uncomfortable conversations often get derailed because the core issue is lost in emotions: anger, embarrassment, resentment. Managers should not avoid having difficult conversations, because that can lead to further problems. But if both people try to understand each other's perspective and if both agree on an outcome that helps each person, the discussion is less likely to become toxic.
read moreWhat Managers and Executives can Learn from Herb Kelleher
Authenticity is rooted in transparency and an ethical code. Those qualities are scarce in many corporate environments, but they are essential to a leader's success, because employees are demanding candor. Here are a few ways to become more
read moreDoes a meaningful job matter?
Managers and executives who want to motivate employees try various tactics: contests, free food, bonuses, and rousing speeches from a stage. But...
read moreHandling Difficult Conversations
The ability to handle uncomfortable conversations is important to strengthening your credibility. Avoiding delicate discussions can lead to further problems. Make the points you need to, calmly and respectfully, listen to the opposing view, and take a collaborative approach to finding an answer you both can live with.
read moreBy Ken O’Quinn
As a contributing author in this book on leadership, Ken offers insights and tips for managing difficult conversations, providing effective feedback, and being authentic. Order here.
Perfect Phrases for Business Letters (McGraw-Hill)
Provides the right words and phrases for any situation - quickly. The book was reprinted in Japanese because of high-volume sales there.
TD at Work — Business Writing for Managers
The Association for Talent Development invited Ken to write this 22-page booklet for the TD at Work series.
Current Blog Post
Accomplishments or Potential to Achieve: Which is More Persuasive?
If you want to persuade your superior to promote you over someone else, you could emphasize what you have accomplished, …