The power that we hold over other people, both individuals and institutions, isn't something that's given to us, or something that we're born with. When a person has influence over the actions of others, this influence usually came into being for a reason. And even though some personality types find it easier and more natural to take the steps necessary to gain this influence, the same steps are available to all of us. In other words, influence isn't inherent. It can be taught.
As you look for ways to expand your influence at work, keep in mind that our control over others is a kind of capital — it works like money. If we gather influence and bank it away, we tend to have more. But as we use it and spend it, our account balance is depleted. Also, recognize that influence in a professional setting comes from a convergence of three factors above all others: Expertise, likeability, and effort. The more of these three qualities we demonstrate and deliver with our actions, the faster our supply of capital tends to increase.
So how can we show this expertise, likeability and effort in a workplace setting? And once we've demonstrated these traits, how can we convert them into capital and influence?
Gain Respect
HR research and careful studies have revealed four central ways to be liked, to demonstrate expertise, and to demonstrate effort in a professional workplace. These actions tend to remain consistent across a wide range of industries and professional fields.
1. Gaining personal contact with, and bringing about fast action from, top decision makers.
The more people you have in your contacts list, and the higher the influence level of these people, the more effective you'll appear. This is one of the ways regular networking can pay off.
2. Removing items quickly from a meeting agenda.
"Getting things done" is a very broad term with meanings that can vary by circumstance, but a thing that needs to be done is truly done when it's gone from the list, never to return. The more times this happens on your watch, the better.
3. Gaining approval for non-budgeted and unplanned items.
This relates to item number 1. If you can bend the ear and gain the approval of upper managers and decision makers, you'll add to your capital quickly.
4. Intervening on behalf of the weak or non-influential.
Yell up, not down. If you have what it takes to stand up for those below you and to protect them from those above, your actions will have a powerful effect on the strength of your voice and the expansion of your impact.
Turn Respect into Action & Influence
As you work to build your capital and spend it with discretion, realize that your demonstrations of likeability, expertise, and effort will only bear fruit under the following circumstances:
The community must be aware of your influential actions.
The community must have an ongoing need for similar actions.
The community must recognize that your influence was gained through legitimate channels and is supported by a consistent pattern of similar behavior.
Once your behavior begins to reveal a consistent and visible pattern of influential actions, and these actions are supported by the circumstances listed above, you'll be opening a bank account of personal influence. Monitor your flow of both incoming and outgoing capital in your account, and you'll be able to gain tight control over the speed and direction of your career.
As you look for ways to expand your influence at work, keep in mind that our control over others is a kind of capital — it works like money. If we gather influence and bank it away, we tend to have more. But as we use it and spend it, our account balance is depleted. Also, recognize that influence in a professional setting comes from a convergence of three factors above all others: Expertise, likeability, and effort. The more of these three qualities we demonstrate and deliver with our actions, the faster our supply of capital tends to increase.
So how can we show this expertise, likeability and effort in a workplace setting? And once we've demonstrated these traits, how can we convert them into capital and influence?
Gain Respect
HR research and careful studies have revealed four central ways to be liked, to demonstrate expertise, and to demonstrate effort in a professional workplace. These actions tend to remain consistent across a wide range of industries and professional fields.
1. Gaining personal contact with, and bringing about fast action from, top decision makers.
The more people you have in your contacts list, and the higher the influence level of these people, the more effective you'll appear. This is one of the ways regular networking can pay off.
2. Removing items quickly from a meeting agenda.
"Getting things done" is a very broad term with meanings that can vary by circumstance, but a thing that needs to be done is truly done when it's gone from the list, never to return. The more times this happens on your watch, the better.
3. Gaining approval for non-budgeted and unplanned items.
This relates to item number 1. If you can bend the ear and gain the approval of upper managers and decision makers, you'll add to your capital quickly.
4. Intervening on behalf of the weak or non-influential.
Yell up, not down. If you have what it takes to stand up for those below you and to protect them from those above, your actions will have a powerful effect on the strength of your voice and the expansion of your impact.
Turn Respect into Action & Influence
As you work to build your capital and spend it with discretion, realize that your demonstrations of likeability, expertise, and effort will only bear fruit under the following circumstances:
The community must be aware of your influential actions.
The community must have an ongoing need for similar actions.
The community must recognize that your influence was gained through legitimate channels and is supported by a consistent pattern of similar behavior.
Once your behavior begins to reveal a consistent and visible pattern of influential actions, and these actions are supported by the circumstances listed above, you'll be opening a bank account of personal influence. Monitor your flow of both incoming and outgoing capital in your account, and you'll be able to gain tight control over the speed and direction of your career.
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