Leading With Influence
Leadership comes in many types. For example, command and control leaders want full control of the organization, the people, the vision, mission, and goals, and how to accomplish them, which is more of an authoritarian approach. Persuasive leaders are less authoritarian and use persuasion, which involves convincing others to see a preferred way of being and doing business, and is often about what the leader wants, and less about what their team wants. Today, leaders who lead through influence are able to move others forward into action because they want to, not because they have to. Influencers do not control anyone, yet seem to have great power; power that others want to follow in pursuit of mutually shared visions, missions, and goals. At the center of leading with influence is creating cooperation and collaboration and not compliance.
Why It Matters
Control is elusive! Ultimately, we cannot control people nor change what they think and do. Attempting to control others by telling them what to do and how to do it is demotivating, limits new ideas and collaboration, and often leads to passive-aggressive behavior that can impact team dynamics, organizational culture, and ultimately, business results.
When we are in the persuasive mode, we are trying to convince others that our way is better (win-lose), without really considering the others’ thoughts, needs, or aspirations. It makes others feel that their ideas don’t matter, negatively impacts creativity and proactive problem-solving, and can lead to a lack of engagement.
Influencing, on the other hand, is inclusive of others and a more optimum and win-win way to reach shared visions and goals, engaging others in creating shared success.
How It’s Done
As an Influencer, you:
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Share a clear vision and help people understand their role in achieving the vision
- Leverage the strengths of various team members, and highlight how they can create an impact in achieving a goal or objective.
- Listen to people, and create a trusting and compassionate environment
- Share knowledge and success with others
- Act as a positive role model for others
- Give options and latitude, allowing for calculated risks
- Take responsibility and ownership
- Be vulnerable and be transparent to build trust
- Inspire and elevate your team members and the whole organization
Tips for Success
As an Influencer:
- Focus on finding and creating solutions and avoid blaming others
- Demonstrate resilience in facing adversity and support others through difficult situations
- Celebrate efforts, resilience, and success, and highlight specific accomplishments of others.
As you grow your ability to influence and build your sphere of influence, it’s important to:
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Network within your organization and to continue to get to know others and for them to learn more about you.
- Find opportunities to lead initiatives within your organization and engage others as part of the team.
- Rely on your instinct and attentive listening skills to learn more about what motivates and engages others.
PRACTICE
As an Influencer: ask yourself:
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Who do I consider to be someone who successfully leads by influence? Within my organization and outside my organization? Why? What three behaviors of theirs do I want to emulate?
- What attributes do I want to possess to create more trusting and meaningful relationships in the workplace?
- What values am I honoring in making this decision?
- How can I sustain trusting and respectful relationships with my colleagues that enable us to take an initiative or team forward into success?
- How do I want to expand my network within my organization over the next 6 months?
- Am I cultivating a sphere of influence and not a zone of control?
- Is there someone I’d like to ask to be my mentor to support my growth over the next 12 months?
As organizational structures continue to evolve, the ability to lead through influence will grow in importance. Becoming a trusted leader (whether in a designated role or not) who can engage teams in the vision and propel initiatives forward will create long term opportunities for you and your team.
RESOURCES
- The 360 Degree Leader: Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization Paperback by John C. Maxwell
