Are you wondering about your influence at work? Do you have clarity as to how to measure your influence ? Where do you look to in your organization to verify or validate the influence you have?
Most managers and executives would state that they have a strong influence overall within the business they are in. That may simply be their view on the matter without evidence to support their assertion or belief.
- Personal attitude and behavior are the platform for influence.
Being approachable and listening to employees at every level of the organization is vital to having influence. Partnered with that is the need for a consistent message along with consistent body language on our part. Speaking to others in neutral tones, having an open body posture, and making eye contact with people while speaking to them, are all indicators of consistency.
- Continuing to be approachable.
Meeting with the first line of employees conducting the day-to-day operations, or having meetings with the managers the importance of being approachable cannot be overstated. Maintaining your listening skills and requesting suggestions from those working in the front lines is invaluable. The crucial aspect of having influence is in engaging those around you and in implementing their best suggestions for change.
- Requesting feedback from employees.
When you request constructive feedback form employees you are opening yourself to a degree of criticism. You are also opening yourself to receiving feedback that assists in confirming and enhancing the degree of influence you have.
- Increased cooperation for change and new initiatives.
When those employees who report to you and colleagues rally around you to cooperate, champion, and assist whole heartedly with the implementation of your programs or projects you can clearly see the evidence of being influential.
Like anything else influence may be achieved and lost. To maintain the momentum that has started be sure to keep your behavior and attitude consistent and open to receive feedback from those around you.
Having difficulty making changes to increasing your influence? Contact me for a consult.
Solo and Small Biz Change Agent, Marie-Helene Sakowski at info@effectiveplacement.com
