Influence and Problem Solving

C.U.B.E. Survival Guide

Master the art of influence–whether that’s persuading peers, influencing up, or persuading someone at home

To learn more about CUBE and how to use, please view the CUBE Overview

C

REATE CONTEXT & OBJECTIVES

Establish an open and collaborative mood. Center yourself in this mood.
Clarify the goal of the conversation—focus on the shared, desired outcome.
Be soft on the person and hard on the problem. Care about them personally, but also name the elephant in the room and challenge directly.
Create the agenda and timing together.
Ensure the right people are included from the start.

U

NDERSTAND EACH OTHER’S WORLDS… THEIR WORLD FIRST

B

RAINSTORM OPTIONS

E

ND WITH COMMITMENTS

C

REATE CONTEXT & OBJECTIVES

Trying to get to agreement too quickly (1 step forward, 2 steps back).
Being too nice and not naming the real intent of the conversation.
Unilateral moves including setting up an agenda without a discussion.
Having the conversation in the wrong circumstances.
Underestimating the importance of mood, e.g. moving forward before cleaning up trust issues.

U

NDERSTAND EACH OTHER’S WORLDS… THEIR WORLD FIRST

Expecting to be heard before hearing the other person.
Solving problems based on solidified positions rather than underlying interests.
Believing you understand what’s important to them without confirming your assumptions.
Not empathizing with their perspective, especially when you disagree.
Not explicitly sharing your interests and priorities.

B

RAINSTORM OPTIONS

Focusing on the first solution that seems the best rather than fully exploring possibilities.
Judging, critiquing or ignoring ideas while brainstorming. Not gently correcting when others critique or judge.
Throwing out ideas without caveating that you are just exploring.

E

ND WITH COMMITMENTS