1. Share a positive resolution
It is easier to stick to positive decisions when you write down the actions and share these plans with colleagues. So inviting colleagues to join you for a 20 minute lunchtime walk a couple of times a week is more likely to see you exercising, than secretly criticising yourself for staying at your desk every lunchtime.
2. Reciprocate now
If you want help from your colleagues to stick to your resolutions to do better quality, more enjoyable work, “reciprocate” before you need their help. By doing something meaningful for your colleagues now they will feel almost obliged to help you later in the year when you really need it.
3. What will you lose?
Most people worry about loss more than gain so write down what you will lose by not sticking to your resolutions as well as what you plan to gain by sticking with them. You can use this when persuading colleagues to follow your plans throughout the year: include what they personally will miss if they don’t work with you as well as the benefits they will get if they do.
4. Evidence and experience
We tend to trust evidence, expertise, and experts more than just our own inclinations. Consulting an expert (even online research) can boost your commitment to your resolutions and help you persuade colleagues so build up that fact base about why you are resolving to achieve something.
5. Spread the positive word
We are more likely to believe, trust and act upon information we see as “common practice” or normal. If you want a group of people to join in your resolution recruit a trusted colleague first and then start broadening your net, explaining who is already involved as a way to bring them on board. Of course you can use this approach for getting colleagues involved in projects throughout the year.
6. Get involved
The majority of us are influenced by people we like and admire and if these people share similar interests, pay us compliments and cooperate with us we are far more likely to work in their interests. So as we said in point 2, get involved with your colleagues from your own and other teams now, and later in the year they will be glad to collaborate with you.
Good luck with your resolutions!
