The Benjamin Franklin effect can help you appear more likeable in various situations – be it in the office or in everyday life. This simple trick can have a positive impact on interpersonal relationships.
Benjamin Franklin effect promotes the development of sympathy
The human mind is full of fascinating nuances and effects, and one of them is called the Benjamin Franklin effect. This psychological trick, named after American statesman and founding father Benjamin Franklin, sheds amazing light on the dynamics between people and the emergence of sympathy, as Mercury reports.
Ask fellow human beings for help
The Benjamin Franklin effect can help you act in a sympathetic way towards others in various situations. The trick is that when you ask for help or who help someone, they tend to respond more kindly. Franklin noticed that people who did him favors responded more positively to him afterwards. This means that when you ask for advice or help, the likelihood of appearing likeable increases.
The effect of the effect can be attributed to two causes, as the consumer portal CHIP 365 reports. On the one hand, most people enjoy helping others, which creates a connection and a positive feeling. On the other hand, asking for help also signals an openness to friendship and trust, which makes it easier for others to like us.
Benjamin Franklin himself used this method, according to a post by author David McRaney on YouAreNotSoSmart.com, by asking a favor from a critic who was hostile to him. After fulfilling the favor, the critic felt more positive toward Franklin and showed less hostility.
Use effect in moderation
However, it is important to use the “Benjamin Franklin effect” in moderation and carefully, as CHIP365 reports. Asking for favors too often could give the impression that you are taking advantage of others. It is also advisable to ask for smaller things, as large requests could lead to rejections. However, mutual helpfulness, a friendly demeanor and balanced use of this effect could help, for example, to improve relationships with new colleagues and to arouse sympathy more easily.
Nico Lorenz, editorial team at finanzen.net
