5 Ways to Win People Over

Getting someone to really listen is no small feat. Real Simple spoke to five professional influencers about how they make the magic happen. 

1. Puncture Your Own Ego

Years ago, a journalist went undercover at several restaurants—one of them mine (Union Square Cafe)—with the aim of bribing the maître d’s to score a table. In his article, he wrote that my host had taken the cash. I was mortified and wanted to repair the damage. When I knew the writer would be at an upcoming industry function, I prepared myself. When we saw each other, I walked over and slipped him a $50 bill. He joked that he was keeping it, and then we had a great conversation, which ultimately led to a friendship. Getting defensive gets you nowhere with people. Instead, be willing to show humility and, above all, humor.

Danny Meyer is the owner of six restaurants in New York City and the author of Setting the Table ($27, amazon.com).