Imagine you’re on your own at a party when you’re approached by a very good looking stranger who introduces themselves and then proceeds to bang on about their job for the next hour without ever asking about you, what you do or letting you get a word in edgeways. Chances are you’d make your excuses and leave.

Now imagine that stranger walked up and asked you about yourself, your interests and your job. They then found some common ground, listened to your point of view and cracked some self-deprecrating jokes. A few subtle compliments pepper the conversation that make you feel good about being yourself. Now if you were to make a fast getaway, it would probably be a matter of “my place or yours?”

So why do so many of us sustainability practitioners so keen on boring our fellow employees and other stakeholders about our interests, lecturing them on climate change science, the rate of deforestation in Borneo or the collapse of global fish stocks? People switch off. They check the clock. They check Twitter. Something, anything to get them away from the lengthy guilt trip they’re being subjected to. Booor-ring!

Use the seduction approach.

Focus on them.

What are their interests?

What do they do well?

How could they help you solve sustainability problems within their field of expertise, be that electrical engineering or accountancy?

Play to their strengths, compliment them, involve them, make them feel important.

It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow – make them feel loved!