Can You Influence Others? Your Self-Perception Matters

In today’s hyper-partisan environment, fueled by social media blasts that—let’s be honest—don’t exactly bring out the best in people—it’s sometimes hard to find a public conversation that’s civil.

And the discord isn’t confined to the airwaves and the Internet. Some of the bad “persuasion” habits can be found in the workplace and even at family dinner tables.

South African cleric Desmond Tutu offered some helpful advice: “Don’t raise your voice, improve your argument.”

Effective relationships wi...