12 Ways The GOP Could Learn From Pope Francis, PR Genius

No matter what you think about Pope Francis' beliefs, the man knows a good PR strategy. And let's be honest, these days Republicans could learn a thing or two about improving their image. Here's 12 tips, directly from the international bestseller, How to Win Friends and Influence People.

1. The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it.

Pope Francis knows you can only govern well if you really love the people you serve. Shutting down the government and wrecking the global economy to score political points is not recommended.

2. Show respect for the other person's opinions. Never say "You're Wrong."

Pope Francis knows that If you have to shout, you're probably not making your point very well. Play it cool, man!

3. If you're wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.

Remember that everyone makes mistakes. As Pope Francis says, if someone claims to know everything, it’s the first sign they don’t. “If one has the answers to all the questions—that is the proof that God is not with him.”

4. Begin in a friendly way.

'Nuff said.

5. Start with questions to which the other person will answer yes.

Instead of always saying no, let’s find ways to say yes. When Francis was asked a tricky question about religion and homosexuality, he answered the question with another question: “Tell me: when God looks at a gay person, does he endorse the existence of this person with love, or reject and condemn this person?”

6. Let the other person do a great deal of the talking.

Pope Francis knows that you should really listen to people if you'd like them to hear what you have to say. You don’t have to be the one talking all the time to get your point across.

7. Let the other person feel the idea is his or hers.

Actually, Republicans have been doing a really good job at this. For example, the conservative think tank, the Heritage Foundation, first came up with the centerpiece of the of the Affordable Care Act, the individual mandate.

8. Try honestly to see things from the other person's point of view.

Never take yourself so seriously that you can’t see different perspectives. Pope Francis knows it’s OK to let your hair down every once in awhile.

9. Be sympathetic with the other person's ideas and desires.

Even if you don’t agree with someone, it doesn’t mean that you can’t sympathize with their situation in life. Francis likes to say it’s better to walk with someone than judge them.

10. Appeal to the nobler motives.

When communicating your message to the public, don’t appeal to base level instincts. Pope Francis always tries to call people to their highest moral and ethical selves. As they say, you get more flies with honey!

11. Dramatize your ideas.

Instead of using fear tactics to scare people about health reform, try creating dramatic scenes of kindness. Use magnanimous gestures whenever possible.

12. Throw down a challenge.

Pope Francis knows you can demonstrate your commitment by doing really hard things. Try to avoid quitting halfway through.