Influence: Persausion without pressure

“No one wants to feel cornered.” That’s the phrase that set the tone for this week’s episode of Coffee and Tea with CarrieVee — and honestly, it should be the mantra of every leader and communicator on the planet.

In the latest episode, I dove into the powerful difference between persuasion and pressure, and why genuine influence has nothing to do with being pushy or salesy. Let’s break it down, shall we?

Influence Feels Safe, Not Salesy

We are always trying to persuade. Whether it’s getting the family to agree on where to eat or helping a team member see the value in a project, persuasion is part of daily life.

But here’s the thing: when people feel pressure, they resist. When they feel safe, respected, and heard, they lean in. True influence happens when people still feel in control — when they feel like the decision is theirs, not yours.

This goes for your clients, your coworkers, your kids, your spouse… and especially yourself.

Framing vs. Forcing

We don’t need to convince. We need to connect. That means shifting from “You should do this” to “This supports the energy you say you want.” It’s subtle. But it changes everything.

When we frame a choice around values, identity, and shared goals, people are more open to aligning with it. When we force that same choice, even with good intentions, people shut down.

Let me put it plainly: People don’t want to be pushed. They want to be seen.

Leadership Lessons From Chores (Yes, Really)

When I was growing up, my parents didn’t just hand out chore charts. We sat down together and decided what each of us liked (or didn’t like) to do. It wasn’t a dictatorship — it was a collaboration.

That’s leadership.

Whether you’re leading a business, a team, or a household, giving people input gives them ownership. And ownership creates alignment. And aligned people? They follow through.

Let’s Lead Differently

Persuasion without pressure doesn’t mean you're weak or uncertain. It means you trust your people — and yourself — enough to communicate with compassion and clarity.

So here’s your challenge this week:
👉 How can you influence without pressure?
👉 How can you present your ideas with curiosity, not control?
👉 How can you frame your communication so people feel safe and seen?

Let’s ditch the pressure and pick up the power of thoughtful, respectful influence.

Because leadership? It’s not about pushing people. It’s about walking with them.