Typically in these situations the initial response is to apply in one form or another condign power – the power to punish in a more or less subtle manner: "In one way or another I will make you listen to me!" I would recommend throwing this method out the window. We must look to brer rabbit and the application of wit in concert with the patience and grace that arises from the fruit of the Spirit.* This implies a certain latitude of time – if you at this instant are about to place your hand on a hot stove, an onlooker standing nearby will no doubt intervene reflexively and physically. But we habitually greatly overestimate the number of times that imperatives for such disruptive action is appropriate. I suggest the most highly effective method for getting one to listen is to open the perception of others by one's own example. In illustration, don't give me a boss that relentlessly preaches industrious effort, rather give me a boss that regularly themselves engage in industrious effort. That, in my opinion, is the fastest track to effective communication and persuasion.
* But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV).
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