Persuading the unpersuadable
Nothing is more compelling than an argument with which the person already agrees.
So when you want to win over someone who has a face set like flint, it’s time to inquire rather than proselytize. What does he need? What kind of information does he find convincing? What are the concerns that he has? What is the worst outcome he can foresee? What does he believe to be true that he thinks you’re overlooking? What would it cost him to agree with you?
Chances are you’ll find opportunities to easily fine-tune your case to meet his objections. You may learn new information you need to take into account. He will have had an opportunity to look at the situation from a wider perspective. And, as the two of you co-create a common solution, he is likely to find himself persuaded.