In this insightful discussion, Pat Gibbons, SVP at Walker, and Megan Burns, a renowned customer experience expert and author, tackle the art of changing minds in the CX realm. They emphasize the necessity of blending data with compelling storytelling to effectively advocate for customer-centric strategies. The duo shares techniques on understanding audience dynamics, prioritizing key takeaways in presentations, and engaging stakeholders. Listeners will gain valuable insights into mastering persuasion and enhancing their communication prowess.
Effectively persuading stakeholders about customer experience requires a combination of relatable storytelling and compelling data to resonate emotionally and enhance understanding.
To change perspectives in a business context, CX leaders must validate existing beliefs and sensitively introduce new insights that align with the audience's identity and concerns.
Deep dives
The Power of Data and Storytelling in Persuasion
Combining data and storytelling is crucial for effectively persuading stakeholders about the value of customer experience. Data alone can be insufficient; it needs to be contextualized with relatable stories that highlight the implications of the information presented. This dual approach not only delivers facts but also resonates emotionally with the audience, enhancing their understanding and engagement. Successful persuasion involves establishing credibility and employing the messenger's authority, as people are more likely to be swayed by someone they trust.
Understanding Audience Beliefs and Motivations
Identifying and addressing pre-existing beliefs is essential when attempting to change someone's perspective within a business context. This requires a two-phase approach: first, disconfirming the audience’s former beliefs, then presenting the new viewpoint in a way that is sensitive to their ego. It's important to validate their current understanding before introducing new insights, allowing them to comfortably make the cognitive shift. By framing the discussion around the audience's identity and concerns, one can encourage openness to the proposed changes.
Catalysts for Change: The Role of CX Professionals
Customer experience leaders should act as catalysts rather than crusaders in driving transformation within their organizations. This means facilitating change by asking insightful questions rather than overtly persuading others with data, fostering a sense of ownership and curiosity among stakeholders. By focusing on what the audience needs to know, believe, and do, CX professionals can effectively prepare and present their messages, ensuring they resonate and inspire action. Prioritizing audience engagement and their perspectives is key to creating meaningful dialogue and sustainable change.
It’s not easy changing people’s minds. But we’re approaching a season in which customer experience professionals are working hard to convince executives and peers on the value of adopting a customer-centric mindset. WE as CX pros know the value of our efforts, but sometimes we have to convince others of its advantages. And sometimes data isn’t enough. We have to balance the data with storytelling to build confidence in others about the value of customer experience. Troy Powell hosts with guests Pat Gibbons, SVP at Walker, and Megan Burns, a customer experience expert, author, and keynote speaker.
Find a transcript for this episode on the show notes page: https://cxleaderpodcast.com/the-cx-conundrum-of-changing-minds/