How to improve your ability to persuade

Reliability engineering supports the development or maintenance of a product or system. Reliability is one of many competing considerations, and we often have to rely on our ability to persuade others to implement reliability improvements. This paper explores how we as reliability professionals can improve our ability to be persuasive. Data, facts, and analysis are only the start; at some point we will have to present a recommendation. Our ability to work with others to guide a course of action relies on our ability to persuade. This paper focuses on what you can do to become more effective as a reliability professional. The paper discusses and provides examples to illustrate the basics (context, strategy, and timing), general rules (honesty, congruency, and marketing), and personal skills (flexibility and patience, preparatory skills, and confidence). Having a broad persuasive skill set will enable you to accomplish more and create greater value by effectively using your reliability knowledge and skill.