Published 12/23/20
I recently watched the movie Moneyball (2011), which centers on the Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane. Please note that the following includes spoilers.
Through flashbacks, we learn he was a gifted player in his youth. Recognizing this, the New York Mets draft him, projecting him to be a star. Beane never becomes what the scouts expect of him, however, and the experience scars him.
Later, as GM for the A’s and fiercely determined to win, he pairs with a young, nerdy baseball data analyst to chart an unusual path to winning. Doing so, however, makes him look like a dangerous nut to his more conventional colleagues, and they make no bones about letting him know this.
Despite their attempts to dissuade him, Beane stays true to his mission. The team he puts together with the help of his numbers guy succeeds, and it’s exhilarating to watch the A’s, using Beane’s approach, win 20 games in a row.
If as happened with Beane, your data inspires you to promote a path to success that works against what’s considered normal, you may get a lot of pushback. If so, you’re in good company. Influencing others to change is often a slow climb up a tall mountain.
To approach this problem, Jackson Jeyanayagam, GM of direct-to-consumer at Clorox and former CMO of Box, turns to a classic. That is, he relies—at least in part—on wisdom he gained from reading Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People.
Because, when it comes down to it, persuading others to see things your way is all about building relationships. Few people teach this as well as Carnegie. His timeless advice has guided many companies, entrepreneurs, and individuals toward success.
Yours for a better tomorrow,
