7 Ways to Become an Influential Leader


The ability to influence the behavior of others is power. In this world of social media, there are various kinds of influencers: beauty, dance, singing, fashion and so on. For example, a beauty influencer does a makeup look and consequently, people get inspired by it when they notice a major transformation in the looks of an individual before and after makeup.

In the same way, a leader in a working place should be able to influence others. Others may resist the attempts to make them do certain things, but an effective leader is able to overcome that resistance. Although people may regard power as evil or corrupt, power is a fact of organizational life and in itself is neither good nor bad. Leaders can use power to benefit others or to constrain them, to serve the organization’s goals or to undermine them.


Influential Skills

I have few easy tips for you to be an effective leader with necessary skills. These are as follows:

A combination of communication and interpersonal skills will help you to get the results you need.


Create Rapport

Create rapport with the person you are trying to influence – it may sound like common sense but if they like and trust you there is a greater possibility that you will be able to persuade them.


Listen

Listen and show you are listening. If someone feels valued they are more likely to be persuaded to your point of view.


Ask the Right Question

Use questioning techniques to lead people towards the answers you want. The art of influencing doesn’t come naturally.


Body Language


Mirror the other person’s body language to create better rapport.


Sell the Benefits

Sell the benefits of your argument to the other person and try to see your position from their perspective.


Be Relaxed

A relaxed and natural demeanour is more likely to achieve a successful outcome rather than an emotional or demanding approach. Demonstrating a natural confidence will help to persuade others that your ideas are good.


Invest your Time

Influencing isn’t a quick fix. It can take time to develop empathy and awareness but you are more likely to get what you want if you play a long game.


Postulate to Remember

Do:

- Cultivate personal connections with colleagues so they assume positive intent when you attempt to influence them.

- Make it clear to your colleagues that you value their opinions.

- Take steps to develop expertise by attending conferences or taking on a leadership role in a professional organization.

Don’t:

- Worry that your attempts to gain sway are manipulative. You’re being strategic.

- Slouch as you talk. Standing up straight with your shoulders back helps you come across as confident and commanding.

- Use “I” too much. In your quest for influence, talk about how your ideas will benefit the entire organization and how “we” will see value.


Collectives

The art of influencing doesn’t come naturally to everyone. There are many sources of help for you to develop your influencing skills. Check out some great online resources and videos, LinkedIn groups and, of course, training is always an option to help you hone and develop your influencing skills.

Being able to influence without formal authority is an essential skill, and we cannot do this without confidence, clarity of purpose and the communication skills to fully express ourselves. And as leaders our roles require that we draw on who we are, as well as what we do to inspire and engage our people.


Written by - Jesvin Joseph

Edited by - Prachi Raheja

Post a Comment

0 Comments