Build Your Influence at Work, Regardless of Your Title

Influence is powerful in the business world. When you can sway opinions or have an effect on someone, it’s much easier to get things done.

Certainly, if you’re a manager or leader, your title gives you authority. You can get things done because people are required to follow your lead. But that’s not the same as influence.

We all know influential people (and maybe you’re one of them). Others follow them, trust them or are moved to action simply because of their enthusiasm, likability or confidence. They may indeed be in powerful leadership positions. Or he or she may be a newcomer to your organization who confidently speaks up and has well-considered views expressed with such conviction that it’s hard not to be swayed.

What qualities make them good at building the rapport it takes to earn our trust and positively influence us?

How can we begin to develop our own influence? Here are several key attributes:

1. They’re good communicators. They have the ability to speak up and articulate ideas, directions or disagreement clearly and respectfully. Even when they disagree with us, we still feel listened to because they’re hearing us out, making good eye contact and asking questions that help us explain our perspective. They use inclusive language (we, us, together, our) so we feel part of something.
2. They’re open-minded and curious. Even when their opinions are different from our own, they seem keen to understand ours. They come to the table ready to listen and explore other options. They ask what makes us feel the way we do and listen intently to our responses. They make us feel heard and valued even when they don’t agree. They welcome disagreement.
3. They respond rather than react. All people experience emotions. Influential people give themselves time to process information. They know that pausing gives them the opportunity to think and consider what they’re feeling so they can respond in an objective way.
4. They’re credible. Their actions match their words. They’ve spent time in self-reflection so they know their strengths and weaknesses and don’t pretend to be more or less than they are.
5. They’re likable. Face it. We like to be around fun people. We follow people who smile and make us feel good about what we’re doing and who we are. They walk into a room with eyebrows up, eyes open and a smile on their face.
6. They expect the best. “What you believe is what you achieve.” Influential people believe nothing is out of reach both for themselves and for others. They stretch to reach goals.
7. They’re confident. They’re comfortable with themselves. They’re knowledgeable. When they speak, they’re prepared and have done their due diligence and know the subject matter. They don’t spend a lot of time worrying about things beyond their control, instead focusing on all the things they can affect.

Your ability to influence others is a skill you can and should develop. Whether you have formal authority or not, being able to earn the trust and support of people around you has a direct link to your success. Build your influence by pushing yourself to take on new challenges, develop communication skills and emotional intelligence that enhances your relationships./p>