Understanding the Importance of Influence

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes | Published on: 11 September 2019

Ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels in your career?

Stuck in a rut, unable to advance within your current company?

Let me tell you, it could all come down to one thing: your ability to wield influence effectively in the workplace.

Don’t get me wrong.

You might be a networking ninja, schmoozing your way through office parties and coffee chats, and you might have even snagged a promotion or two along the way.

But if you’ve let your influencing skills slide, it’s time to hit the reset button and reclaim your power.

Understanding the Importance of Influence

Because being influential isn’t just about bossing people around or micromanaging every little detail.

It’s about leading by example, inspiring others to follow your lead willingly, tapping into your colleagues’ hopes, dreams, and desires, and guiding them toward shared goals.

So, how do you become the influential powerhouse everyone admires?

Well, it starts with understanding the subtle art of influence.

It’s about mastering the nuances of human behaviour—learning to read between the lines and anticipate the needs of those around you.

But influence isn’t just about persuasion—it’s also about perception.

It’s about crafting a persona that exudes confidence, wisdom, and integrity.

Your influence takes root when your colleagues see you as a trusted advisor rather than just another authority figure.

Now, you might be wondering:

How do I hone my influence skills and take my career to the next level?

Well, my friend, you’re in luck. I’ve got some insider tips to share.

First, pay attention to the subtle cues people give off in conversation.

Are they nodding along with what you’re saying?

Leaning in eagerly to hear more?

These are signs that you’re hitting the mark and building rapport.

Next, don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.

Confidence is critical, whether pitching a new idea to your boss or rallying support for a pet project. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and others will follow suit.

And finally, never underestimate the power of storytelling.

Humans are hardwired to respond to narratives, so use this to your advantage.

Share your experiences, insights, and lessons learned in a way that resonates with your audience, and watch as your influence grows exponentially.

But wait, there’s more.

If you really want to improve your influence, consider studying behavioural psychology.

Learn about concepts like Distortions, Generalisations, or Deletions and how they can subtly shape perceptions and attitudes.

And if you’re hungry for even more knowledge, why not check out my bestselling book, ENGAGE? Packed with practical tips and strategies for mastering the art of influence.

It’s a must-read for anyone looking to turbocharge their career.

So, there you have it.

The secret to career success lies in what you know, who you are, and, more importantly, how you influence your team.

So go forth, my friend, and unleash your inner influence.

The world is yours to take.

Being a top-notch leader isn’t just about sticking to one style—it’s about adaptability.

You must be able to change things based on your team.

This article, Is Your Stellar Team Actually Subpar When It Comes to Range of Influence? digs deeper into this idea.

Trust me, it’s worth the read!

 

Are you aware when people use ‘Distortions, Generalisations or Deletions’?

Read here to learn this kind of influence. Click here for more details on my bestselling book,

ENGAGE