While it sounds illicit, bribery is simply offering something in exchange for what you would like another person to do. Mutual back-scratching or trading favors are common ways to influence someone who doesn’t believe the value of performing an activity is worth the effort to do it. A little extra incentive might push some people over the hill of resistance.
Note: I am not suggesting that you offer or request anything illegal or unethical! Perhaps you might offer to take someone out to lunch if they will do something to help move change forward. Or you might put in a good word with management. Or trade vacation weeks. Or use your influence on their behalf.
The trouble with bribery (besides riding the margin of ethics) is that it can become an expectation. Like offering candy to a child to be quiet, you might find that the person will want future favors in exchange for continuing their “proper” behavior. Use with extreme caution!
Who might you bribe?
(Originally listed in Everyday Influence Tactics Not Found in Leadership Books.)
Read more of the 99 Ways to Influence Change.
