Authority or Influence

 
 
 

If you're relying on authority to get things done...you're in trouble.

It may be time to increase your influence.

Influence is the art and science of moving others toward mutually beneficial action.

It earns commitment for your idea or initiative by ensuring others see how it benefits them.

This requires you to know your colleagues. Really know them… and what’s important to them.

Think about a current or potential business partner within your organization who you need to influence. Ask yourself these questions:

  • What’s on their mind?

  • What challenges are they facing?

  • What opportunities are they chasing?

  • What words resonate with them?

  • What jargon should be avoided? (Your aim is to resonate, not alienate)

Uncovering the answers to these 5 questions allows you to become fluent in someone else’s value language. And speaking their value language ensures they’ll hear you above the noise.

When others understand how your ideas positively impact what's important to them:

Your initiatives get promoted without having to wait for that promotion.