How Building Influence Can Gain You Power as a Leader

How Building Influence Can Gain You Power as a Leader

Ultimately, all leadership is about influence. It can be one of the single most important competencies in your leadership toolbox. And, I’ve always said that “a leader can lead from wherever they sit” in an organization. However, for that to be possible, leaders need to know how to perfect and use their influence wisely.

So, how do you create influence? It starts with YOU – making an investment in your own abilities and adaptability – a commitment to keep growing and learning. Leaders increase influence by building trust, establishing credibility, actively listening, communicating effectively, and collaborating with others. They also demonstrate confidence, encourage collaboration, and advocate for their teams.

Building influence allows a leader to gain power in the workplace by fostering positive relationships, promoting open communication, and enabling others to contribute effectively, ultimately leading to increased cooperation and a more engaged team. Unlike relying on power alone, which can be coercive and create resentment, influence encourages collaboration and buy-in, leading to more sustainable and effective leadership.

Here’s how building influence can help you increase your power within an organization:

Stronger Relationships:

• Leaders who invest time in building strong relationships with team members are more likely to gain their trust and respect, making it easier to influence their decisions and actions.

Effective Communication:

• Clear and open communication, including actively listening and providing constructive feedback, fosters understanding and builds trust, which are crucial for gaining influence and achieving shared goals.

Empowerment and Development:

• Leaders who empower their teams by delegating responsibilities, providing guidance, and encouraging autonomy create a sense of ownership and commitment, leading to greater influence and engagement.

Leading by Example:

• Demonstrating desired behaviors and values, such as integrity, accountability, and dedication, helps leaders gain credibility and influence, as others are more likely to follow their actions than their words.

Seeking Feedback and Input:

• Leaders who are receptive to feedback and actively seek input from their teams build trust and demonstrate a willingness to consider different perspectives, further enhancing their influence.

Utilizing Political Skills:

• Networking, building social capital, and understanding the nuances of interpersonal dynamics can also contribute to a leader’s ability to influence others.

Motivation and Inspiration:

• Leaders who motivate and inspire their teams by setting clear goals, recognizing achievements, and creating a positive work environment, foster a sense of purpose and commitment, which in turn, increases their influence.

Collaboration:

• Leaders who prioritize collaboration and teamwork, by actively involving their team in decision-making and problem-solving, build a sense of shared ownership and responsibility, leading to increased influence and engagement.

Transparency and Accountability:

• Leaders who are transparent in their communication and accountable for their actions build trust and credibility, making it easier to influence others.

Here are some tips that leaders we’ve worked with have adopted to help them improve their ability to influence:

• Become an expert in your field by continuously learning and staying updated on industry trends. This builds trust and makes people more likely to seek your expertise.
• Make an effort to connect with colleagues across different departments. Be friendly, and proactive in offering help, and show genuine interest in their work.
• Pay attention to others’ ideas and concerns and demonstrate your understanding through thoughtful questions and body language.
• Clearly communicate your opinions and ideas, but do so respectfully and constructively.
• Be dependable and reliable by consistently following through on commitments and providing timely support.
• Make an effort to be accessible to colleagues and show a willingness to engage in conversations and collaborations.
• Be honest and transparent, especially when you’re facing challenges or making mistakes.
• Practice active listening, be clear and concise in your communication, and adapt your style to different audiences.
• Offer guidance and support to colleagues, especially those who are newer to the workplace or have different skill sets.
• Be open to constructive criticism and use feedback to improve your performance and develop your skills.

“Leadership is not a position or title – it is a mindset that needs to be embraced by all within the organization.”

Increasing our knowledge and competencies in the specialties we work on and in leadership makes us valuable to the organization and our customers. Influence is the direct result of how much effort you are willing to make.

If you would like help with increasing your influence as a Leader, The Center for Leadership Excellence can help. Visit our website at www.cleindy.com to learn more.

Patty Prosser is Co-Founder and Coaching Practice Leader at The Center for Leadership Excellence. For more information, contact Patty at 317-727-6464 or at pprosser@cciindy.com.