Commitment and Consistency - Principle of Influence

Commitment and Consistency is another principle of influence.

Similar to eariler posting, this principle also acts on human nature; to standby what they had agreed. This is a very powerful tool compared to the previous ones, (which I have mentioned in my earlier posting) this influencing tool once applied and succeeded, is long lasting. The pricinple states that once a person agreed to a certain cause he would standby what he said, as he is commited to what was said and the effect of consistency does not allow conflicting thoughts in him. Sounds confusing? Here are some examples..

1. Action Group X, asked you to sign a petition to support a certain cause, you signed on the petition. The act of signing is a show of commitment from you. Therefore, when the time comes for the group to standup for the cause, he are committed to show your support even how uncomfortable you are.

2. During a Sunday service, when the congregation was asked to respond to a message. The very act of getting up and walking to the altar is a commitment from you. Therefore, you will likely to standby and live up to what you have committed.

Insurance agent (or financial planner) and salesman usually use this tactic to get you commit to a certain statement or fact and went in to corner you when you tries to backout. Some of their questions are most of the time very subtle and can really caught you off guard. So next time observe how they question you and watchout for your response... can be real interesting.

Applying this principle in our context, we as educators can use this powerful tool in getting our student to commit to what they promised to deliever..