Today, I implore you to paint pictures to improve your ability to Influence as part of my series of blogs on The Art of Influence in the Age of AI. Painting pictures is the second quadrant in my Pathfinder Model designed for building trust and influence.
You might consider ‘implore’ too strong a word, however if you don’t paint pictures for the people you are advising, they will paint their own pictures in their head. And theirs might not look like yours! Every picture tells a story as they say – and to influence, you need the story to be yours.
What’s different about painting pictures in the age of AI is two pronged: There are the risks posed by fake AI images and videos, which are now incredibly difficult to detect by the average user, and there are the benefits of preparing influencing diagrams, images and videos using AI.
If you missed my most recent free webinar I hosted with Dr John Burgin of Shift127 on July 17, check out this AI-generated video he produced explaining the Tech Tempest simulation experience for leaders tasked with AI Adoption. I’ll wait here while you check it out.
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What did you think? It was obviously AI generated, which means John and I are being genuine and not trying to fool anyone. We’re using AI to paint pictures for effect. To influence.
If you haven’t already grabbed a copy of my book Persuasive Advising, Chapter 4 is all about painting pictures. And in Chapter 8 you can check out some examples from people who have participated in one of my Trusted Adviser Programs.
When you are across the picture painting principles portrayed in those chapters, here are some questions for you to ask to help you paint a picture of your own, perhaps with the use of AI.:
1. What do the people I am influencing need from me that AI cannot give them?
2. How can I show them the difference between information and judgement?
3. What picture do they need to see for the advice to become clear?
My tip: Like last week, go deep with these questions and prepare a model, perhaps using AI, for someone you know well. Try it out with them and see how it lands. Take on their feedback and then work on a model for a leader you need to influence now.
My Focus: To be honest, it’s an overseas holiday to multiple destinations in Canada. Fear not, I pre-prepared the remainder in this series to help you or to help you help advisers in your organisation to influence well in the age of AI.