Many STEM managers wait for authority before they try to shape outcomes. They believe influence comes from job titles, reporting lines, or official power.
In reality, the best leaders I have worked with built influence long before they got the promotion. They learned to guide conversations, create alignment, and make others feel heard.
Here are three ways to grow influence without a change in title:
1) Ask better questions – the person who frames the problem often shapes the solution.
2) Connect across functions – trust grows when you build relationships outside your immediate team.
3) Show reliability – influence sticks when people know they can count on you.
When you practise influence, you make it easier for decision-makers to see you as ready for the next step. Authority can be given. Influence is earned.
The Pull Style is all about creating connection through curiosity, tone, and body language. A calm voice, open gestures, and genuine interest can encourage others to engage and share more openly. Discover more about mastering the Pull Style and building stronger conversations.
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