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Mindstuck: Mastering the Art of Changing Minds
We’re told you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.
But what if this is not true?
Having spent the past two decades helping Fortune 500 brands and leaders embrace the changes they’d rather fight or ignore, Michael McQueen understands what it takes to change even the most stubborn minds.
But persuading others is getting harder and harder. In our ideology-driven and polarized age, certainty has taken the place of curiosity and open-mindedness has given way to obstinance.
Drawing on the latest discoveries in disciplines ranging from neuroscience to behavioral economics, McQueen suggests that we are too often using nineteenth- and twentieth-century techniques to change twenty-first-century minds—and are wondering why it’s not working. What we need is an upgrade in our understanding of what it really takes to influence others.
Whether you are a leader trying to help your team keep pace in changing times, a businessperson who needs a potential partner to see your value proposition, or a parent who wants to get your teenager away from their screen, this book will show you how to persuade even the most mindstuck people in your world.
But what if this is not true?
Having spent the past two decades helping Fortune 500 brands and leaders embrace the changes they’d rather fight or ignore, Michael McQueen understands what it takes to change even the most stubborn minds.
But persuading others is getting harder and harder. In our ideology-driven and polarized age, certainty has taken the place of curiosity and open-mindedness has given way to obstinance.
Drawing on the latest discoveries in disciplines ranging from neuroscience to behavioral economics, McQueen suggests that we are too often using nineteenth- and twentieth-century techniques to change twenty-first-century minds—and are wondering why it’s not working. What we need is an upgrade in our understanding of what it really takes to influence others.
Whether you are a leader trying to help your team keep pace in changing times, a businessperson who needs a potential partner to see your value proposition, or a parent who wants to get your teenager away from their screen, this book will show you how to persuade even the most mindstuck people in your world.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2023
48 people are currently reading
1975 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 22, 2024
"Mindstuck: Mastering the Art of Changing Minds" by Michael McQueen offers a comprehensive guide to the art of persuasion, providing readers with valuable insights and techniques for navigating stubborn resistance and influencing others effectively.
McQueen begins by exploring the psychology behind stubbornness, emphasizing the role of identity, ideology, and intuition in shaping people's beliefs. He highlights the dominance of the instinctive mind over the logical mind and explains why traditional persuasion tactics often fail against deeply entrenched opinions. The book then delves into five key techniques for changing minds:
1. Reframing: McQueen discusses the power of reframing, or presenting information in a new light to challenge existing beliefs. He explains three strategies for reframing: priming, contrast, and the power of words, demonstrating how these techniques can shift perspectives and open minds.
2. Building Affinity: McQueen explores the importance of building connections and rapport with others to influence them positively. He offers three strategies for building affinity, including approaching disagreements collaboratively, showing vulnerability, and finding common ground.
3. Preserving Dignity: McQueen emphasizes the importance of preserving the other person's dignity when attempting to change their mind. He discusses strategies for doing so, such as acknowledging their feelings, asking open-ended questions, and offering choices.
4. Harnessing the Power of Conformity: McQueen examines how people's desire to fit in with the group can be leveraged to sway opinions. He explains three strategies for harnessing the power of conformity: social proof, herd mentality, and reciprocity.
5. Employing Empathy: McQueen highlights the role of empathy in understanding and influencing others. He offers strategies for employing empathy, such as humanizing issues, asking hypothetical questions, and encouraging perspective-taking.
By combining these techniques, readers can effectively navigate resistance and guide others toward new perspectives. McQueen's approach emphasizes respect, collaboration, and empathy, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to master the art of changing minds. Overall, "Mindstuck" provides practical strategies and insights that can empower readers to become more effective persuaders in both their personal and professional lives.
McQueen begins by exploring the psychology behind stubbornness, emphasizing the role of identity, ideology, and intuition in shaping people's beliefs. He highlights the dominance of the instinctive mind over the logical mind and explains why traditional persuasion tactics often fail against deeply entrenched opinions. The book then delves into five key techniques for changing minds:
1. Reframing: McQueen discusses the power of reframing, or presenting information in a new light to challenge existing beliefs. He explains three strategies for reframing: priming, contrast, and the power of words, demonstrating how these techniques can shift perspectives and open minds.
2. Building Affinity: McQueen explores the importance of building connections and rapport with others to influence them positively. He offers three strategies for building affinity, including approaching disagreements collaboratively, showing vulnerability, and finding common ground.
3. Preserving Dignity: McQueen emphasizes the importance of preserving the other person's dignity when attempting to change their mind. He discusses strategies for doing so, such as acknowledging their feelings, asking open-ended questions, and offering choices.
4. Harnessing the Power of Conformity: McQueen examines how people's desire to fit in with the group can be leveraged to sway opinions. He explains three strategies for harnessing the power of conformity: social proof, herd mentality, and reciprocity.
5. Employing Empathy: McQueen highlights the role of empathy in understanding and influencing others. He offers strategies for employing empathy, such as humanizing issues, asking hypothetical questions, and encouraging perspective-taking.
By combining these techniques, readers can effectively navigate resistance and guide others toward new perspectives. McQueen's approach emphasizes respect, collaboration, and empathy, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to master the art of changing minds. Overall, "Mindstuck" provides practical strategies and insights that can empower readers to become more effective persuaders in both their personal and professional lives.
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March 22, 2024I actually just read a summary of this book not the whole book but it was really good and insightful and gave lots of practical tips for how to persuade people and gave lots of information about why we are so stubborn. Based on what I read, I would recommend this book.
Important takeaways:
40% of people's work life is spent convincing others to be on their side
stubbornness
- the inquiring mind loves to think things through logically
- the instinctive mind makes snap judgements based on emotions and guy feelings (like when you're dead set on something)
- usually 5% inquiring winning : 95% instinctive winning
- 3 reasons why you cling to your beliefs like a lifeline:
1. identity - makes you favor ideas from your "tribe" and reject anything from outsiders
2. ideology - filters out anything that doesn't fit your worldview
3. intuition - often trumps facts
- when you're trying to get someone to see things your way, their brain is asking, "is this going to mess with who I am, what I believe, or what feels right to me?":
1. recognize where they're coming from and navigate those Q's
2. Use your persuasive techniques (5) - reframe their thinking, connect with compassion, preserve their dignity, leverage their tribal instinct, and be empathetic.
- Persuasive techniques:
1. Reframing (the art of painting the same situation in a new, more palatable light to shake up even the most stubborn of opinions -- changing people's frame of reference or point of view) -- ex: Spend $100 at grocery store VS celebration at a fancy restaurant -- how, when and in which context you present your message. Master it and you're not just communicating, you're compelling.
A. Priming (warming people's minds up to see things the way you want them to) - using words/numbers to change thoughts in your favor; reminding them of an experience that aligns with your agenda; thinking something is better because someone tells you its from a fancy place (making you appreciate it more based on your expectations)
B. Contrast (clarity through comparison) - thinking twice, showing how pointing out the gap between what you believe in and what you're actually doing can give you a wake up call. -- You can ask people to explain their views which often exposes the flimsy logic holding them up. You can have people state intended behaviors out loud to make them more likely to follow through.
C. Power of words (tailoring your words to strike a chord with your audience's values can make your message hit home). Ex: "pre-owned" instead of "used" (same meaning, different feeling). humor, rhymes, surprises - can make your point stick and break down walls to get people to listen with an open mind.
2. Building affinity (crafting a real connection where people feel like they get you, like you and see a bit of themselves in you), - tiny hints of being in something together. ex: mentioning the rain before asking to use their phone.
Golden strategies to get along better with others and bring them to your side:
A. approach disagreements not as battles to be won, but as chances to build connection. Try seeing disagreements as a collaborative effort to find truth or common ground. Socrates himself was a fan of acquiring knowledge through losing arguments. Aim for an impact rather than proving a point. Fostering progress and mutual respect, moving forward rather than apart.
B. Don't shy away from showing your vulnerabilities. Admitting to the flaws of your standpoint can be powerful. Showing your vulnerable side is bravery and a trust magnet. This honesty and transparency release oxytocin in others, showing you're trustworthy and invites others to drop their guard as well, creating a more genuine connection. Self-deprecating humor makes you more relatable and likable.
C. Finding common ground with someone. Aligning on shared goals and values, echoing agreements by saying "I agree", introducing new ideas with familiar positive words, mirroring body language or speech patterns. Maybe discovering you share a birthday or like the same bands. Threads of similarity that can weave the most unexpected bonds and open someone up to your point of view.
3. Preserving the other's dignity (saving face) - Pushing too hard against someone's beliefs can lead to stubborn resistance rather than a change of heart. Change doesn't scare people - it's their loss of pride/power or comfort of certainty.
A. Feel/Felt/Found Technique - Make other person feel safe and understood. Acknowledge how they're feeling, share that you've been there too, and then gently introduce how you shifted your perspective. Use familiarity and predictability.
B. Magic of asking Qs - Qs that make the other person do a bit of soul searching without feeling like they're being interrogated. -- Lead them to articulate and then recognize how unrealistic their own expectations or reasonings are. (More inviting than lecturing or demanding change). Open-ended Qs that start with why, what, where or how should be your go-to.
C. Always make sure you leave people with options. If they feel they're being led one way, they'll resist out of principle. Give them a choice (autonomy) and they're more likely to make a decision that aligns with your ideas. Offering 3-4 choices, just enough to give a sense of control. Ex: If you can't do it, I'll understand." gives the option to reject your request but increases their willingness to comply.
Effective persuasion = less about convincing someone and more about facilitating a change. Always respect the other person's sense of self.
4. Harnessing the power of conformity (adopting habits or opinions because they're popular within your group). - trying to fit in, belong, align with the crowd. Understanding and playing into this can help to influence a group or a person. The innate desire to be part of something, to conform and cooperate, etc holds significant power over people's actions and attitudes.
A. Social Proof - seeing peers endorse something makes you more likely to (instinct to look to others for direction in uncertainty). Use to your advantage by using numbers, benchmarks or tags like "popular" to show something is universally admired. Also, FOMO (supply getting lower bc of demand, people will want it more).
B. Herd Mentality - groupthink. if 75% on board, others will follow. Be careful of your timing. Jumping on an existing bandwagon easier than starting your own. Use activities that sync up groups - ex: singing, marching, sharing a laugh. when groups move in sync they end up on the same wavelength mentally.
C. Reciprocity (do a favor, receive a favor). Favors that are meaningful, come as a surprise and feel like they're made just for them. Directly asking for a favor from others can make them view you more kindly since offering a hand fosters a sense of goodwill and connection.
5. Employing empathy - try to see through their eyes to understand what can get past their defenses. Get into their mindset and understand where they're coming from. Empathy is crucial.
A. Humanize issues and principles. Make it personal - talk about one person's story rather than a crowd. Facts and figures might catch attention but the individual tales stick and change hearts and minds. To weave that magic, dive into personal stories, the emotions, the faces behind the facts and the tactile experiences that stir empathy within people.
B. Playing with hypothetical Qs - engaging in thought exercises to crack open those stubbornly closed minds and encourage more nuanced thought processes. Qs that make people ponder other sides without getting all defensive. Qs like "Could it be possible that...?" or "How likely is it...?" When you use them, you're nudging someone to think beyond their usual "victim-villain" tales and to see beyond their own nose.
C. Show, don't just tell. Make the person empathize so they can really feel what you're talking about. Help them to step into the shoes of someone they totally disagree with. Ex: real life plunge into someone's world or VR to simulate experiences -- making the abstract tangible, making them live it, even if just for a moment.
Important takeaways:
40% of people's work life is spent convincing others to be on their side
stubbornness
- the inquiring mind loves to think things through logically
- the instinctive mind makes snap judgements based on emotions and guy feelings (like when you're dead set on something)
- usually 5% inquiring winning : 95% instinctive winning
- 3 reasons why you cling to your beliefs like a lifeline:
1. identity - makes you favor ideas from your "tribe" and reject anything from outsiders
2. ideology - filters out anything that doesn't fit your worldview
3. intuition - often trumps facts
- when you're trying to get someone to see things your way, their brain is asking, "is this going to mess with who I am, what I believe, or what feels right to me?":
1. recognize where they're coming from and navigate those Q's
2. Use your persuasive techniques (5) - reframe their thinking, connect with compassion, preserve their dignity, leverage their tribal instinct, and be empathetic.
- Persuasive techniques:
1. Reframing (the art of painting the same situation in a new, more palatable light to shake up even the most stubborn of opinions -- changing people's frame of reference or point of view) -- ex: Spend $100 at grocery store VS celebration at a fancy restaurant -- how, when and in which context you present your message. Master it and you're not just communicating, you're compelling.
A. Priming (warming people's minds up to see things the way you want them to) - using words/numbers to change thoughts in your favor; reminding them of an experience that aligns with your agenda; thinking something is better because someone tells you its from a fancy place (making you appreciate it more based on your expectations)
B. Contrast (clarity through comparison) - thinking twice, showing how pointing out the gap between what you believe in and what you're actually doing can give you a wake up call. -- You can ask people to explain their views which often exposes the flimsy logic holding them up. You can have people state intended behaviors out loud to make them more likely to follow through.
C. Power of words (tailoring your words to strike a chord with your audience's values can make your message hit home). Ex: "pre-owned" instead of "used" (same meaning, different feeling). humor, rhymes, surprises - can make your point stick and break down walls to get people to listen with an open mind.
2. Building affinity (crafting a real connection where people feel like they get you, like you and see a bit of themselves in you), - tiny hints of being in something together. ex: mentioning the rain before asking to use their phone.
Golden strategies to get along better with others and bring them to your side:
A. approach disagreements not as battles to be won, but as chances to build connection. Try seeing disagreements as a collaborative effort to find truth or common ground. Socrates himself was a fan of acquiring knowledge through losing arguments. Aim for an impact rather than proving a point. Fostering progress and mutual respect, moving forward rather than apart.
B. Don't shy away from showing your vulnerabilities. Admitting to the flaws of your standpoint can be powerful. Showing your vulnerable side is bravery and a trust magnet. This honesty and transparency release oxytocin in others, showing you're trustworthy and invites others to drop their guard as well, creating a more genuine connection. Self-deprecating humor makes you more relatable and likable.
C. Finding common ground with someone. Aligning on shared goals and values, echoing agreements by saying "I agree", introducing new ideas with familiar positive words, mirroring body language or speech patterns. Maybe discovering you share a birthday or like the same bands. Threads of similarity that can weave the most unexpected bonds and open someone up to your point of view.
3. Preserving the other's dignity (saving face) - Pushing too hard against someone's beliefs can lead to stubborn resistance rather than a change of heart. Change doesn't scare people - it's their loss of pride/power or comfort of certainty.
A. Feel/Felt/Found Technique - Make other person feel safe and understood. Acknowledge how they're feeling, share that you've been there too, and then gently introduce how you shifted your perspective. Use familiarity and predictability.
B. Magic of asking Qs - Qs that make the other person do a bit of soul searching without feeling like they're being interrogated. -- Lead them to articulate and then recognize how unrealistic their own expectations or reasonings are. (More inviting than lecturing or demanding change). Open-ended Qs that start with why, what, where or how should be your go-to.
C. Always make sure you leave people with options. If they feel they're being led one way, they'll resist out of principle. Give them a choice (autonomy) and they're more likely to make a decision that aligns with your ideas. Offering 3-4 choices, just enough to give a sense of control. Ex: If you can't do it, I'll understand." gives the option to reject your request but increases their willingness to comply.
Effective persuasion = less about convincing someone and more about facilitating a change. Always respect the other person's sense of self.
4. Harnessing the power of conformity (adopting habits or opinions because they're popular within your group). - trying to fit in, belong, align with the crowd. Understanding and playing into this can help to influence a group or a person. The innate desire to be part of something, to conform and cooperate, etc holds significant power over people's actions and attitudes.
A. Social Proof - seeing peers endorse something makes you more likely to (instinct to look to others for direction in uncertainty). Use to your advantage by using numbers, benchmarks or tags like "popular" to show something is universally admired. Also, FOMO (supply getting lower bc of demand, people will want it more).
B. Herd Mentality - groupthink. if 75% on board, others will follow. Be careful of your timing. Jumping on an existing bandwagon easier than starting your own. Use activities that sync up groups - ex: singing, marching, sharing a laugh. when groups move in sync they end up on the same wavelength mentally.
C. Reciprocity (do a favor, receive a favor). Favors that are meaningful, come as a surprise and feel like they're made just for them. Directly asking for a favor from others can make them view you more kindly since offering a hand fosters a sense of goodwill and connection.
5. Employing empathy - try to see through their eyes to understand what can get past their defenses. Get into their mindset and understand where they're coming from. Empathy is crucial.
A. Humanize issues and principles. Make it personal - talk about one person's story rather than a crowd. Facts and figures might catch attention but the individual tales stick and change hearts and minds. To weave that magic, dive into personal stories, the emotions, the faces behind the facts and the tactile experiences that stir empathy within people.
B. Playing with hypothetical Qs - engaging in thought exercises to crack open those stubbornly closed minds and encourage more nuanced thought processes. Qs that make people ponder other sides without getting all defensive. Qs like "Could it be possible that...?" or "How likely is it...?" When you use them, you're nudging someone to think beyond their usual "victim-villain" tales and to see beyond their own nose.
C. Show, don't just tell. Make the person empathize so they can really feel what you're talking about. Help them to step into the shoes of someone they totally disagree with. Ex: real life plunge into someone's world or VR to simulate experiences -- making the abstract tangible, making them live it, even if just for a moment.
January 9, 2024
Mindstuck is a decent enough book on a pretty important topic. We live in a world where people believe in strange things like stolen elections, a flat earth, and the denial of vaccines helping people. Michael McQueen put together a great book discussing why people believe these things and then gives a ton of strategies for how to persuade people.
I can’t remember Michael’s exact background, but he writes like an outsider and not someone who is an academic. That’s great, and it’s a great book for lay people, but as someone who reads a ton of these books, I have a few criticisms. First off, he references that hack Jonah Berger far too many times in this book. Next, he references some studies throughout the book that definitely sound like there would be issues if anyone tried to replicate them.
There are also a few times where the book seems to be teaching more of persuasion as a way to sell someone rather than change their mind (small nuance, I know), but overall, I think it’s worth the read if you’re interested in the topic.
I can’t remember Michael’s exact background, but he writes like an outsider and not someone who is an academic. That’s great, and it’s a great book for lay people, but as someone who reads a ton of these books, I have a few criticisms. First off, he references that hack Jonah Berger far too many times in this book. Next, he references some studies throughout the book that definitely sound like there would be issues if anyone tried to replicate them.
There are also a few times where the book seems to be teaching more of persuasion as a way to sell someone rather than change their mind (small nuance, I know), but overall, I think it’s worth the read if you’re interested in the topic.
April 21, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
"Mindstuck: Mastering the Art of Changing Minds" by Michael McQueen is a compelling exploration into the art of persuasion in an era where changing minds seems more challenging than ever. McQueen, with his extensive experience in helping Fortune 500 companies and leaders adapt to change, delves into the intricacies of human psychology and the barriers that prevent us from influencing others.
The book is structured in a way that each chapter builds upon the last, creating a comprehensive guide on the subject. McQueen's use of anecdotes and case studies from his professional life adds a personal touch that makes the content relatable and engaging. His writing style is both efficient and lively, ensuring that the reader is not just informed but also entertained.
One of the book's strengths is its practicality. McQueen doesn't just theorize about the difficulties of persuasion; he offers actionable advice and techniques that readers can apply in various aspects of their lives, whether they are leaders trying to inspire their teams, businesspeople seeking to convince partners, or parents attempting to communicate with their children.
Drawing from disciplines such as neuroscience and behavioral economics, McQueen argues that traditional methods of persuasion are outdated for our modern minds. He suggests that we need an upgrade in our approach to truly influence others in the 21st century. The book ends each chapter with persuasion tips, serving as valuable takeaways for the reader.
Critics and readers alike have praised "Mindstuck" for its insights and practical advice. Notable figures like Mel Robbins and Daniel H. Pink have endorsed the book, highlighting its significance in today's polarized society where open-mindedness is often overshadowed by obstinance.
In conclusion, "Mindstuck: Mastering the Art of Changing Minds" is a must-read for anyone looking to navigate the complex landscape of human interaction and persuasion. It's a timely guide that restores the lost art of civil discourse and equips readers with the tools to make a greater impact in their personal and professional lives.
"Mindstuck: Mastering the Art of Changing Minds" by Michael McQueen is a compelling exploration into the art of persuasion in an era where changing minds seems more challenging than ever. McQueen, with his extensive experience in helping Fortune 500 companies and leaders adapt to change, delves into the intricacies of human psychology and the barriers that prevent us from influencing others.
The book is structured in a way that each chapter builds upon the last, creating a comprehensive guide on the subject. McQueen's use of anecdotes and case studies from his professional life adds a personal touch that makes the content relatable and engaging. His writing style is both efficient and lively, ensuring that the reader is not just informed but also entertained.
One of the book's strengths is its practicality. McQueen doesn't just theorize about the difficulties of persuasion; he offers actionable advice and techniques that readers can apply in various aspects of their lives, whether they are leaders trying to inspire their teams, businesspeople seeking to convince partners, or parents attempting to communicate with their children.
Drawing from disciplines such as neuroscience and behavioral economics, McQueen argues that traditional methods of persuasion are outdated for our modern minds. He suggests that we need an upgrade in our approach to truly influence others in the 21st century. The book ends each chapter with persuasion tips, serving as valuable takeaways for the reader.
Critics and readers alike have praised "Mindstuck" for its insights and practical advice. Notable figures like Mel Robbins and Daniel H. Pink have endorsed the book, highlighting its significance in today's polarized society where open-mindedness is often overshadowed by obstinance.
In conclusion, "Mindstuck: Mastering the Art of Changing Minds" is a must-read for anyone looking to navigate the complex landscape of human interaction and persuasion. It's a timely guide that restores the lost art of civil discourse and equips readers with the tools to make a greater impact in their personal and professional lives.
June 2, 2025
This is such a great book because the author summarizes the research/findings from more than 20 other books.
It is also very practical providing a "Toolkit for Persuading Stubborn People":
Relativity
Persuasion Tool #1: Take the Time to Prime
Persuasion Tool #2: Use Contrast to Bring Clarity
Persuasion Tool #3: Let Your Words Do the Work
Affinity
Persuasion Tool #4: Don’t Be In It to Win It
Persuasion Tool #5: Put Your Worst Foot Forward
Persuasion Tool #6: Concentrate on Commonality
Dignity
Persuasion Tool #7: Lessen the Loss
Persuasion Tool #8: Become a Master Asker
Persuasion Tool #9: Allow for Autonomy
Conformity .
Persuasion Tool #10: Defer to the Power of “They”
Persuasion Tool #11: Harness the Herd Instinct
Persuasion Tool #12: Rely on Reciprocity
Empathy
Persuasion Tool #13: Make Principles Personal
Persuasion Tool #14: Harness the Hypothetical
Persuasion Tool #15: Let Experience Do the Explaining
It is also very practical providing a "Toolkit for Persuading Stubborn People":
Relativity
Persuasion Tool #1: Take the Time to Prime
Persuasion Tool #2: Use Contrast to Bring Clarity
Persuasion Tool #3: Let Your Words Do the Work
Affinity
Persuasion Tool #4: Don’t Be In It to Win It
Persuasion Tool #5: Put Your Worst Foot Forward
Persuasion Tool #6: Concentrate on Commonality
Dignity
Persuasion Tool #7: Lessen the Loss
Persuasion Tool #8: Become a Master Asker
Persuasion Tool #9: Allow for Autonomy
Conformity .
Persuasion Tool #10: Defer to the Power of “They”
Persuasion Tool #11: Harness the Herd Instinct
Persuasion Tool #12: Rely on Reciprocity
Empathy
Persuasion Tool #13: Make Principles Personal
Persuasion Tool #14: Harness the Hypothetical
Persuasion Tool #15: Let Experience Do the Explaining
November 23, 2025
Mindstuck is a sharp, insightful, and deeply relevant exploration of what it truly takes to influence people in today’s polarized world. Michael McQueen blends neuroscience, behavioral economics, and real-world experience to reveal why traditional persuasion tactics no longer work, and what we must adopt instead. His writing is clear, practical, and grounded in real human behavior, making the book incredibly accessible for leaders, parents, business professionals, and anyone navigating resistance.
The book stands out not only for its research-backed framework but also for its humanity. McQueen reminds readers that persuasion begins with understanding, empathy, and curiosity, traits often forgotten in our ideological age. Mindstuck is not just a manual for changing minds; it’s a guide to restoring thoughtful dialogue and meaningful connection.
The book stands out not only for its research-backed framework but also for its humanity. McQueen reminds readers that persuasion begins with understanding, empathy, and curiosity, traits often forgotten in our ideological age. Mindstuck is not just a manual for changing minds; it’s a guide to restoring thoughtful dialogue and meaningful connection.
March 21, 2024
While changing stubborn minds is challenging, it is possible with the right techniques. People cling to their beliefs because they’re tied to their identity, ideology, and intuition. But by leveraging proven persuasion tactics, you can gently guide others to new perspectives.
The next time you face stubborn resistance, don’t bulldoze ahead trying to “win” the argument. Instead, reframe their thinking, connect with compassion, preserve their dignity, leverage their tribal instinct, and be empathetic. Do that, and you may just witness once-rigid minds opening up to fresh possibilities. What do you think – would you give it a try?
The next time you face stubborn resistance, don’t bulldoze ahead trying to “win” the argument. Instead, reframe their thinking, connect with compassion, preserve their dignity, leverage their tribal instinct, and be empathetic. Do that, and you may just witness once-rigid minds opening up to fresh possibilities. What do you think – would you give it a try?
October 14, 2023
Thoughtful book about neuroscience that can bring new perspectives on personal states, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. There are many engaging examples of this science application throughout the book that illustrate ideas. In many cases one can definitely recognise himself/herself and reflect on life situations. How can this be applied in real life? By understanding how we unconsciously think and act can and is used in different manila and it is indeed important to see the scenarios and recognize patterns.
November 21, 2023
The tools of persuasion in this book are amazing at helping us see our ideas as complex and nuanced and give a perfect starting point for conversation. Loved the examples and case studies!
Here are the key ideas I got from it (it's a long post and it barely scratches the surface of what the book covers):
https://shereadsbusiness.com/2023/11/...
I think it's a perfect read and re-read!
Here are the key ideas I got from it (it's a long post and it barely scratches the surface of what the book covers):
https://shereadsbusiness.com/2023/11/...
I think it's a perfect read and re-read!
November 5, 2023
This is an important book for anyone that wants to advocate and influence. It has solid foundations in neuroscience and the science of persuasion, it contains many examples and many pro-tips for engaging individuals in many settings for example individual performance or advocating for change. A great book I learnt so much. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy.
February 15, 2024
Wonderful telling of how scients unraveled the way people exspose the thoughts in their brain.
Some are pre-concieved without facts.
Some have facts that are hard to express.
Others update their knowledge BEFORE they try to convince others.
Unfortunately few today know of the terms for Rehetoric: Logos, Ethos, and Pathos.
Some are pre-concieved without facts.
Some have facts that are hard to express.
Others update their knowledge BEFORE they try to convince others.
Unfortunately few today know of the terms for Rehetoric: Logos, Ethos, and Pathos.
February 20, 2024
One of the top three communication books I’ve read… I highly recommend it
This book presents some extraordinary findings about our behaviors including some of the most practical communication tips I have read about.
This book presents some extraordinary findings about our behaviors including some of the most practical communication tips I have read about.
December 15, 2023
Oh, I wish I read this book when I was starting out in advocacy, because it has references on neuroscience and human cognition on how to persuade and influence.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.
March 21, 2024
Good book
March 27, 2024
A lot of notes on this one. Another great read.
July 24, 2025
Great book easy to read
Lot of angles of perspective to convince
Lot of angles of perspective to convince
October 7, 2024
I've read many books in this category over the years and most of them are referenced in this book somewhere. It represents a very good digest of the research and thinking in the persuasion space and therefore could act as a primer for further reading or simply as an aide memoire to the more important bits.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews