What is the ALIGN model?
Persuading people during tension or disagreement without increasing resistance or humiliation. Its core process is: A = Assess their frame and resistance
L = Link to a shared goal
I = Invite objections early
G = Give a face-saving path
N = Name one concrete next step
What problem is the ALIGN model designed to solve?
Persuading people during tension or disagreement without increasing resistance or humiliation.
What are the steps of the ALIGN model?
A = Assess their frame and resistance
L = Link to a shared goal
I = Invite objections early
G = Give a face-saving path
N = Name one concrete next step
What is the master question for the ALIGN model?
How do I make agreement feel reasonable, safe, and worthwhile to this person without triggering more defensiveness?
When should I use the ALIGN model?
Use it after the heat has dropped enough that the person can think, but agreement still has to be built.
What mistake does the ALIGN model try to prevent?
It prevents persuading too early, arguing from your own frame only, and ending with a vague non-decision.
What is the one-line rule of the ALIGN model?
Understand their frame, connect to a shared goal, surface objections, offer a face-saving path, and make one clear ask.
How do I know I am using the ALIGN model correctly?
You are using it correctly if resistance becomes more explicit, agreement feels less threatening, and a real next step is secured.