Influence
In talking to a client recently I was told that the company had turned into an autocratic organization where no ones opinion mattered. He wanted out because it was demoralizing to work there. It sounded to me like there was an inability to influence in his company.
The ability to persuade and influence others is a skill superior leaders possess. Getting others to buy into your objectives and pursue with enthusiasm will enhance results. When interviewing potential sales managers I would often ask if they ever argued politics in the dorm. I was looking for the candidate that relished convincing others of their point of view.
As leaders move up in the organization they are often put in position of competing for resources. Their ability to sell their ideas and get the funding for their projects is directly proportional to their success. Building alliances requires the ability to persuade. Getting others to see how they can benefit from being on board with you will give your efforts a multiplier effect.
Influence plays a role in gaining support from others who don’t report to you to support your efforts. Being able to energize them will accelerate your success. Think about how you get others on board. Improving your ability here will pay dividends.
2
