Becoming a Person of Influence

By Steve Keating on July 7, 2024

I often start presentations on leadership by working with the participants to agree on a one word definition of leadership. I ask for their individual one word definition. The responses I get are just what you would expect from up and coming leaders. Motivating is one of the more popular ones. Integrity often pops up as well. Coach is another big one. But none of those are the answer I'm looking for.

I want the groups to understand that at its core, leadership boils down to one thing. If you have this one thing then you have the potential to impact the lives of people in very special ways.

When we stop to discuss the answers to my question provided by participants, we see that all of them require one thing and that "thing" is influence.

If you have the ability to influence others, then you have the ability to lead. That's as true in our professional lives as it is in our personal lives.

So exactly how do we become more influential? Doing so takes work. It involves personal growth, clear communication, and understanding relationships and social structures. Let's take a look at each of those.

Personal Development

1. Build Confidence: Confidence is key to influence. Believe in your abilities and be assertive without being aggressive.

2. Develop Expertise: Be knowledgeable in your field. Expertise commands respect and authority.

3. Cultivate Emotional Intelligence: Understand and manage your own emotions, and be empathetic towards others. This helps in building strong relationships.

4. Maintain Integrity: Be honest and consistent in your actions and words. Integrity builds trust.

Effective Communication

1. Listen Actively: Show genuine interest in others' perspectives. Listening builds rapport and shows respect.

2. Articulate Clearly: Be clear and concise in your communication. Avoid jargon and be mindful of your audience.

3. Use Persuasive Techniques: Learn the art of persuasion. Use logic, emotion, and credibility (ethos, pathos, and logos) to make your case.

4. Non-verbal Communication: Pay attention to body language, eye contact, and tone of voice. These can reinforce or undermine your message.

Relationship Building

1. Network: Build a broad network of contacts. The more people you know, the greater your influence can be.

2. Be Supportive: Help others achieve their goals. This fosters goodwill and reciprocal influence.

3. Mentorship: Both being a mentor and having mentors can enhance your influence. Sharing knowledge and receiving guidance strengthens your position.

Strategic Actions

1. Set Clear Goals: Know what you want to achieve and create a plan to get there.

2. Be Adaptable: Be open to change and willing to adjust your approach as needed.

3. Leverage Social Proof: Highlight endorsements and support from credible sources to bolster your position.

4. Create Win-Win Situations: Aim for outcomes where all parties benefit. This builds long-term alliances.

Understanding Social Dynamics

1. Know Your Audience: Understand the needs, values, and motivations of the people you want to influence.

2. Use Timing Wisely: Timing can significantly impact the effectiveness of your influence. Be patient and strategic about when to present your ideas.

3. Build Credibility: Consistently demonstrate competence and reliability. Credibility amplifies your influence.

4. Understand Power Structures: Be aware of the formal and informal power dynamics within your organization or community. Navigate these structures effectively.

No matter where you start, you can increase your ability to influence others. You can also earn the opportunity to Authentically Lead. The effort and consideration required may seem daunting, but the rewards, both personal and professional, make it well worth it.

But, and this last point is critical. However, gaining influence comes with a big responsibility. You must use it to make those around you better. You can use your influence for good or bad. If you intend to use it for anything other than being a positive influence, then kindly ignore this post.