Where the charismatic manager is hugely successful, thinkers will forever be needed in all human endeavors. Thinkers almost always know “how”, but because they are perpetually inquisitive, they know also “why”, so while know how will help managers obtain a solution, “know why” will certainly help managers and leader make better decisions and manage even their managers.
A friend once demanded of me “do not think, just do’, while this way of thinking sounds practical in emergency or potentially dangerous situations, it is logical to add that it is of great benefit if thinkers achieve a state of calm and strive to steady in demeanor for prolonged periods that it becomes an openly noted habit, no matter how difficult.
It is even more critical for managers to be able to think clearly in extremely difficult situations, not simply an outward appearance of calm. Thinkers are popularly noted to be academically inclined and rely heavily on logic, they are not easily persuaded. Thinkers will guard their emotions most of the time and they will try to outmaneuver their opponents. This translates for you the persuader a need to realize on what points you need to focus winning and what points you should concede.
In an inter-departmental setting, when managers are reviewing a requisition or a project, they want adequately researched data, current and verifiable. When presenting a request for approval, do provide comparative data to support your arguments of superiority over the competition.
A thinking manager will almost never make a decision without reviewing all relevant information including all market research data, customer surveys, and cost-benefit analysis. To successfully persuade a thinking manager, state clearly “how” with every possible detail and foreseeable possibility, the objective will be achieved, along with reasons why the plan may not work given current competition and market conditions.
Because thinkers are very intelligent you reach them by overestimating their intelligence completely disclose any relevant fears and concerns you have why your proposal may fail and provide adequate measures to ensure success.
