Here is another valuable Management Tip of the Day from Harvard Business Review. To sign up for a free subscription to any/all HBR newsletters, please click here.

Getting people to do what you want is difficult, especially if you lack authority. When direct techniques like asking fail, try more subtle approaches:

1. Talk less, listen more. Colleagues are less likely to resist when you’ve taken the time to acknowledge their concerns. Listen to their worries and make sure your solutions recognize them.

2. Make them like you. It’s hard to say no to someone you like. We tend to like people who share our background and interests, so play up similarities. Flattery also works. If your colleague does a good job, tell him.

3. Do a favor. Doing something for someone gives you influence. Everyone understands the need to repay what another person has given them.

Today’s Management Tip was adapted from Guide to Managing Up and Across.

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