The Franklin Effect

Named after Benjamin Franklin, who used a psychological technique to win over his political opponents by asking them for favours. The Effect being that we are more likely to like another person more after doing a small favour for them, even at a small inconvenience to ourselves.

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Key Insights & Principles

Relationships

1. Asking people for help, small favours, or their opinion can help improve relationships.
2. The Franklin Effect works because we rationalise helping behaviour as something we would only do for someone we like.
3. Significant requests or inconveniences are not likely to have positive effects on interpersonal relationships.

1. Ask people for small favours, help or their opinion.
2. Follow up with gratitude.

Book References