Influence

The Art of Influence

Competency: Agility
Attribute: Empowered
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    Introduction

    Benefits of Developing Influence

    The ability to influence others effectively is a skill that can shape both personal and professional outcomes. True influence is less about exerting control and more about fostering trust, inspiring action and creating meaningful relationships. Whether you are seeking to lead a team, present your ideas persuasively or simply create a stronger presence in your circle of friends and colleagues, cultivating influence can transform how you engage with others. 

    • Improved Relationships:
      Influence helps you build stronger personal and professional relationships. By being empathetic and understanding others' perspectives, you foster deeper connections.
    • Career Advancement: With influence, you can inspire trust and credibility, positioning yourself as a leader or someone others turn to for guidance and decision-making.

    • Greater Persuasion:
      Influence allows you to effectively communicate your ideas and convince others to take action or adopt your viewpoints without force.

    • Increased Confidence:
      Knowing that your opinions and presence have value encourages self-assurance.

    • Positive Change:
      By being an influential person, you have the ability to lead positive changes, whether in the workplace, at home or within your community.

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    Self-Paced Coaching Questions

    How Influential Do You Think You Are?

    Consider these questions:

    • How do others respond to your ideas and opinions?
    • Do you often take the lead in conversations or projects, or do you follow others?
    • When you need support or cooperation, do people typically agree with you or resist?
    • How comfortable are you expressing your ideas, even in challenging situations?
    • Do you actively listen and empathize with others in a way that fosters trust and respect?

    These questions offer a valuable opportunity for self-reflection, helping you understand your current level of influence and where you may want to grow. 

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    Strategies

    Being More Influential

    • Develop Emotional Intelligence:
      Emotional intelligence (EQ) is one of the most critical factors in building influence. EQ refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage your emotions, as well as the emotions of others. 

    • Strengthen Your Network:
      Your network plays a huge role in your influence. The broader and more diverse your network, the more opportunities you have to influence others and make an impact.

    • Lead with Integrity:
      Leadership is one of the most powerful forms of influence. However, leadership isn’t about holding a position of authority, it's about inspiring others to follow you willingly.

    Mastering influence is about consistently building trust, fostering relationships and leading with integrity. Through emotional intelligence, networking and leadership, you can elevate your personal and professional impact. Remember, influence is not about control, it’s about creating a positive ripple effect that encourages others to act, collaborate and grow alongside you. As you implement these strategies, not only will you see a transformation in your own life, but you’ll also notice the lasting positive impact you have on those around you.

    From our Blog

    Influence Articles

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    Giving The Gift Of Time To Increase Your Influence
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    Bibliography

    This article has been inspired by the following sources: 

    • Cialdini, R. B. (2006). Influence: The psychology of persuasion (Rev. ed.). Harper Business.
    • Ibarra, H. (2015). Act like a leader, think like a leader. Harvard Business Review Press.
    • Mayer, J. D., & Salovey, P. (1997). What is emotional intelligence? In P. Salovey & D. Sluyter (Eds.), Emotional development and emotional intelligence: Educational implications
    • Cross, R., & Thomas, R. J. (2009). Driving results through social networks: How top organizations leverage networks for performance and growth. Jossey-Bass.