Influence isn’t about being in charge—it’s about being the type of leader who inspires and motivates others to do their best work. By focusing on your values, communication skills, and ability to connect with others, you’ll be well-positioned to make a meaningful impact—and build lasting relationships that benefit both you and those around you.
The traditional model of leadership, reliant on positional authority and hierarchical control, is no longer very successful, especially in large organizations. Today’s successful executives understand the power of influence – the ability to inspire and motivate people to achieve organizational goals without formal authority.
Building Your Influential Foundation with a Strong Personal Brand
Influence starts with building a strong personal brand. This involves:
- Positive Personal Conduct: Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and a willingness to serve others.
- Building Trust: Be consistent, reliable, and deliver on your promises such that other executive leaders can rely on you.
- Positive Attitude: Maintain an optimistic and solution-oriented mindset. There is always something that does not work well and sometimes initiatives fail. Maintaining an optimistic view and at the same time acknowledge failures when they happen is crucial to building personal brand.
The Power of Active Listening
Influence requires active listening – not just hearing the words but understanding the underlying perspectives. Listening is a skill that can be acquired with learning and practice. Ask thoughtful questions, demonstrate genuine interest, and capture key insights.
Nurturing Relationships
Influence thrives on strong relationships. Practice:
- Providing Help: Offer support and guidance to colleagues when needed.
- Building Favors: Invest in relationships through acts of kindness and reciprocity.
- Supporting Under Pressure: Assist colleagues in tight deadlines and stressful situations.
Finding Common Ground
Effective influence involves finding synergy between individual and organizational goals. This translates into:
- Identifying shared values and aspirations that help you as well as others.
- Finding common solutions to problems that benefit everyone.
- Building win-win situations through collaboration.
Impact Beyond Authority
Ultimately, influence is about making a lasting impact. As an executive, your success is measured by the positive impact you have on the organization, not just your activities. By building influence across the broader organization, you empower others, drive innovation, and achieve greater success.
Influence is an indispensable skill for modern-day executives. By building a strong personal brand, actively listening, nurturing relationships, and finding common ground, you can empower your team and achieve impactful results beyond your formal authority.
