How to Get Anyone to Do Anything You Want

Summary

• Communication is key; if you clearly express your expectations, others are more likely to meet them. When asking someone to do something, make sure it's written down to avoid misunderstandings.

• Be specific about what you want. Define tasks in terms of behavior or outcomes, like "I need the report printed and on my desk by Monday."

• Save time by investing in clarity. Spend a few extra minutes detailing requests, which can save hours of confusion later.

• Training is essential. Everything is trainable, but it’s not always worth the time. Identify gaps in knowledge, break down tasks into steps, and teach those steps clearly.

• Deadlines drive efficiency. Favor shorter deadlines like end-of-day over end-of-week to boost productivity and speed.

• Check for obstacles. Sometimes, people don't complete tasks due to unforeseen circumstances. Determine if the issue is legitimate or a lack of resourcefulness.

• Motivation stems from finding personal value in tasks. Help your team see the benefits of their work and align their goals with their tasks.

• Beware of business assumptions that limit growth. Question industry norms like pricing and payroll standards if they don't serve your company goals.

• Create a company culture that stands out. Be clear about your standards and expectations so that everyone aligns with the company vision.

• Use the STAR System to have productive conversations with underperforming employees. Frame issues in a way that expresses belief in their potential, not condemnation of their character.

Video

How To Take Action

I would suggest implementing clear communication in your life. Start by writing down what you want to say before you talk to someone. If you give tasks to others, write them down to avoid confusion. Clearly state what you need, when you need it, and how you expect it done. It's like making sure a recipe is clear before you start cooking.

A good way of doing this is to specify tasks as actions. For example, “Please print and put the report on my desk by Monday,” instead of a vague request like "Finish the report then." This helps save time later because everybody knows what to expect without asking again.

Deadlines drive action, and shorter deadlines spur energy. Instead of a week, try end-of-day goals to keep things snappy and in motion quickly.

When someone isn’t meeting your expectations, consider if maybe they didn’t understand, didn’t know how to do it, or had too many things on their plate. Or perhaps they didn’t even know the task was supposed to be a priority. Help them by breaking down the tasks into smaller steps.

Also, make an effort to understand others' motivations and how their work benefits them. Aligning their personal goals with their duties can drive them to perform better.

Lastly, question traditional business practices if they don’t fit your goals. Don't get trapped by industry norms that might not help you grow. Think different, be clear, and stay straightforward.

Quotes

"If it isn't written, it never happened"

– Alex Hormozi

"Clarity is high leverage work"

– Alex Hormozi

"Everything is trainable"

– Alex Hormozi

"End of day is better than end of week"

– Alex Hormozi

"Your reality will be influenced by the laws that you choose to create and live by"

– Alex Hormozi