What Geneva Parking Taught Me About Influence

I analyzed over 50 scenarios to fix a complex parking policy.

I brought logic, data, and precision.

Still, I didn’t win the argument.

Until the next day.

That morning, the decision-maker’s favorite soccer team had won. His mood was lifted—and suddenly, he agreed.

I realized:

Influence isn’t just about logic.

It’s about timing, mood, emotions—and connection.

The art of influence means playing on all levels, not just rational ones.

What’s your version of the “soccer team win” in your work?