Table of Content
Why Use Gentle Pressure?
Gentle pressure is like being the friendly coach of a sports team. You want to win the game (or in this case, deliver a project or getting promoted), but you also want everyone to feel good about how they played. By encouraging people gently, you keep the team happy and the project on track.
Constant, gentle pressure isn’t about quick luck or sudden success or explosive force to get things done. It’s like being a powerful force of nature: even though progress seems slow, it can change the world, just like how rivers and glaciers shape the land. Making a big impact takes time and steady effort.
When to Apply Gentle Pressure?
This comes in handy when someone agrees to do something but keeps putting it off. Maybe they’re busy, unsure, or just forgetful. Gentle reminders can help keep things moving without making anyone feel bad.
How to Apply Gentle Pressure
Be Consistent
Only small goals can be accomplished in a single sprint. To do big things, we have to be patient and willing to stick to a plan for weeks, months, or even years
No matter what the field — from marketing to management to parenting to training animals — the prevailing advice is to stay consistent.
Be Gentle
Making an impact means the work you do has an effect on other people.
Changing another person’s behavior or beliefs can’t be forced. In fact, trying to force someone to change is a great way to make sure they don’t.
Instead, we need a softer touch. Provide a consistent, clear vision that you can gently nudge people toward. Build a chain of small wins as evidence in support of your broader goal. As people start to get on board, be ready to welcome them to the cause.
Create Momentum
We cannot miss the fact creating momentum is hard to build, but hard to stop once it’s going.
Getting the ball rolling toward a goal is hard. You have to overcome at least inertia, if not active resistance. And once you do start the ball rolling, the progress feels tiny compared to the amount of effort it required.
That’s the thing about building momentum: it feels like nothing is happening for a long time, and then — “suddenly” — you’re unstoppable.That’s the thing about building momentum: it feels like nothing is happening for a long time, and then — “suddenly” — you’re unstoppable.
Places That Applying Gentle Pressue is Useful
You can apply gentle pressure almost anywhere, but I’ve found it most effective in situations like:
- Asking for a cultural change.
- Migrating large and complex projects at Shopee.
- Gaining support from Apple leaders to create a new platform.
- Encouraging other teams to adopt our platform.
- Seeking a promotion.
- Developing new habits in my team.
- Learning a new language.
- Building core strength.
- Starting investments.
- Introducing new coding standards.
- Optimizing website performance at Shopee.
- Adopting new frameworks or tools at Snapp.
- Improving code quality at Apple, Shopee, and Snapp.
- Migrating from FlowType to TypeScript.
- Establishing a workout routine.
- Transitioning to a healthier diet and starting intermittent fasting.
- Enhancing communication and building connections at Apple.
- Spending more quality time with my wife.
- Building trust within my team.
- Fostering leadership among colleagues.
- Supporting and guiding my remote team.
- Addressing and resolving personal performance issues.
- Mentoring junior developers.
- Pushing for project deadlines.
- Advocating for user experience improvements at Shopee.
- Cultivating a culture of innovation at Apple.
Let’s Practice Gentle Pressure At Work
Start with Clear Communication
Be direct but kind: Clearly state what needs to be done and why it’s important, but do so in a friendly and supportive tone.
Set expectations: Let them know what the ideal outcome looks like and the timeline you’re aiming for.
Show Empathy and Understanding
Acknowledge their perspective: Recognize any challenges or concerns they may have. This shows that you value their input and understand their situation.
Offer support: Let them know you’re there to help if they face obstacles. This can make the task seem less daunting.
Break Tasks into Smaller Steps
Manageable pieces: If the task is large or complex, break it down into smaller, more manageable actions. This can help prevent feelings of overwhelm.
Celebrate small wins: Recognizing progress on these smaller tasks can boost morale and motivate continued effort.
Provide Regular, Constructive Feedback
Encourage and critique gently: Offer feedback that helps them improve while also acknowledging what they’ve done well.
Adjust as necessary: Be flexible and willing to adjust deadlines or expectations based on their feedback and circumstances.
Set Deadlines and Follow Up
Create urgency with deadlines: Deadlines should be realistic but firm enough to convey the importance of the timeline.
Regular check-ins: Schedule times to discuss progress. These shouldn’t feel like interrogations but rather opportunities to assess progress and adjust plans as needed.
Highlight the Benefits
Personal and collective gains: Explain how completing the task will benefit them personally (e.g., skill development, recognition) and how it contributes to the larger goals of the team or project.
Visualize the end result: Help them see the positive outcomes of completing the task, creating a sense of purpose and motivation.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Recognize effort: Acknowledge their work and dedication, regardless of how small. Positive reinforcement can increase motivation and likelihood of future cooperation.
Reward completion: Consider ways to reward them for completing tasks, whether through verbal recognition, a small token of appreciation, or additional responsibilities that can lead to personal growth.
Gentyle pressure is about guiding and supporting rather than pushing, which can lead to better outcomes and healthier relationships.
Recap: how to apply constant, gentle pressure
Constant: continue to show up and do the work consistently — nothing else matters if you’re not consistent
Gentle: present a clear point of view, stack up incremental success over time, and continuously nudge people toward the goal
Pressure: overcome inertia and build momentum — don’t get discouraged when it takes time to get the ball rolling
Accomplishing big things takes time. That means patience and perseverance. But if you stick it out, even moonshot dreams are within reach.