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12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work

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GetSmarter
GetSmarter

To succeed in your career, you need a strategy for sending out ripples of influence. Here are 12 ways you can start doing just that.

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WAYS TO 12INCREASE YOUR INFLUENCE AT WORK
in·flu·ence
in·flu·ence noun “the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself”
in·flu·ence noun “the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself” In business today, influence is power. But increasing your level of influence in the workplace requires some careful groundwork...
DETERMINE WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO ACHIEVE. 1
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS? WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BE IN 5 YEARS TIME? HOW ARE YOU GOING TO GET THERE? 1
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS? WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BE IN 5 YEARS TIME? HOW ARE YOU GOING TO GET THERE? Understanding where you are at present, and where you want to be in the future, will help you focus your energy in the right places. 1
KNOW YOUR WORTH. 2
THERE IS AN INHERENT LEVEL OF INFLUENCE THAT COMES WITH YOUR ROLE OR JOB TITLE... 2
THERE IS AN INHERENT LEVEL OF INFLUENCE THAT COMES WITH YOUR ROLE OR JOB TITLE... But instead of seeing this as your influence boundary, see it as your influence starting point. 2
THERE IS AN INHERENT LEVEL OF INFLUENCE THAT COMES WITH YOUR ROLE OR JOB TITLE... But instead of seeing this as your influence boundary, see it as your influence starting point. BE CONFIDENT IN WHAT YOU HAVE TO OFFER Your knowledge, experience & passion can (and should) be used to your advantage. 2
IT’S A MATTER OF TRUST. 3
INFLUENCE AND TRUST GO HAND IN HAND. 3
INFLUENCE AND TRUST GO HAND IN HAND. If people do not trust your word or your abilities, you’ll be hard pressed to gain any influence over them. 3
INFLUENCE AND TRUST GO HAND IN HAND. If people do not trust your word or your abilities, you’ll be hard pressed to gain any influence over them. HOW DO YOU CULTIVATE TRUST? By being open & honest at all times. 3
CONSISTENCY IS KEY. 4
4 IF YOU EXECUTE TASKS ACCURATELY, ON TIME, EVERY TIME...
4 IF YOU EXECUTE TASKS ACCURATELY, ON TIME, EVERY TIME... People will see you as someone they can rely on.
4 IF YOU EXECUTE TASKS ACCURATELY, ON TIME, EVERY TIME... People will see you as someone they can rely on. The same goes for how you interact with people. If you consistently display good leadership qualities, your influence will increase.
4 IF YOU EXECUTE TASKS ACCURATELY, ON TIME, EVERY TIME... People will see you as someone they can rely on. The same goes for how you interact with people. If you consistently display good leadership qualities, your influence will increase. ALWAYS REMEMBER: Actions speak louder than words. So if you say you’re going to do something, be sure to deliver.
STICK TO YOUR VALUES. 5
HAVING INTEGRITY AND STICKING TO YOUR MORAL VALUES WILL SPEAK TO YOUR STRENGTH OF CHARACTER. 5
HAVING INTEGRITY AND STICKING TO YOUR MORAL VALUES WILL SPEAK TO YOUR STRENGTH OF CHARACTER. INFLUENCERS DON’T BUCKLE UNDER PRESSURE. They do the right thing – always. 5
LEARN FROM THE BEST. 6
6 IDENTIFY & OBSERVE the top influencers in your organisation. 6
6 IDENTIFY & OBSERVE the top influencers in your organisation. EVEN BETTER: Build relationships with these influencers & use them as your mentors. 6
SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION. 7
7 NOBODY EVER GOT TO THE TOP WITHOUT A LITTLE HELP ALONG THE WAY.
7 NOBODY EVER GOT TO THE TOP WITHOUT A LITTLE HELP ALONG THE WAY. SHOW GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION. Especially to those who have supported you. Because being a credit “hog” is the quickest way to lose that support again.
GET PERSONAL. 8
8 IT’S SIMPLE: INFLUENCERS NEED PEOPLE.
8 IT’S SIMPLE: INFLUENCERS NEED PEOPLE. Relationship building is crucial.
8 IT’S SIMPLE: INFLUENCERS NEED PEOPLE. Relationship building is crucial. REACH OUT
8 IT’S SIMPLE: INFLUENCERS NEED PEOPLE. Relationship building is crucial. REACH OUT CONNECT
8 IT’S SIMPLE: INFLUENCERS NEED PEOPLE. Relationship building is crucial. REACH OUT CONNECT LISTEN
8 IT’S SIMPLE: INFLUENCERS NEED PEOPLE. Relationship building is crucial. REACH OUT CONNECT LISTEN HAVE EMPATHY
8 IT’S SIMPLE: INFLUENCERS NEED PEOPLE. Relationship building is crucial. REACH OUT CONNECT LISTEN HAVE EMPATHY OFFER YOUR SUPPORT
DON’T JUST STAND THERE. 9
YOU CAN’T JUST WAIT AROUND, 9
YOU CAN’T JUST WAIT AROUND, expecting your influence to be acknowledged through some form of cosmic or karmic power. 9
YOU CAN’T JUST WAIT AROUND, expecting your influence to be acknowledged through some form of cosmic or karmic power. You have to be proactive about it. 9
YOU CAN’T JUST WAIT AROUND, expecting your influence to be acknowledged through some form of cosmic or karmic power. You have to be proactive about it. MEET NEW PEOPLE 9
YOU CAN’T JUST WAIT AROUND, expecting your influence to be acknowledged through some form of cosmic or karmic power. You have to be proactive about it. MEET NEW PEOPLE TRY NEW THINGS 9
YOU CAN’T JUST WAIT AROUND, expecting your influence to be acknowledged through some form of cosmic or karmic power. You have to be proactive about it. MEET NEW PEOPLE TRY NEW THINGS NEVER STOP LEARNING 9
FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS. 10
IF THERE’S A PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED, DON’T WASTE ANY ENERGY TRYING TO PLACE BLAME... 10
IF THERE’S A PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED, DON’T WASTE ANY ENERGY TRYING TO PLACE BLAME... Your focus should be on one thing, and one thing only: 10
IF THERE’S A PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED, DON’T WASTE ANY ENERGY TRYING TO PLACE BLAME... Your focus should be on one thing, and one thing only: A SOLUTION You want to be seen as someone who can help the group move forward, not someone who holds the group back. 10
OWN YOUR ACTIONS. 11
8 ONE OF THE GREATEST TRAITS OF ANY INFLUENCER IS THE ABILITY TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS.
8 ONE OF THE GREATEST TRAITS OF ANY INFLUENCER IS THE ABILITY TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS. INFLUENCERS ARE ABLE TO LEARN FROM THEIR MISTAKES They don’t wallow in self-pity, they come back fighting. Being able to motivate yourself in this way, also motivates those around you.
CONSIDER THE DIFFERENT INFLUENCING STYLES. 12
9 DO YOU RATIONALISE, ASSERT, NEGOTIATE, INSPIRE OR BRIDGE?
9 DO YOU RATIONALISE, ASSERT, NEGOTIATE, INSPIRE OR BRIDGE? Research has shown that there are 5 major influencing styles:
9 DO YOU RATIONALISE, ASSERT, NEGOTIATE, INSPIRE OR BRIDGE? Research has shown that there are 5 major influencing styles: RATIONALISING: Using logic, facts & reasoning.
9 DO YOU RATIONALISE, ASSERT, NEGOTIATE, INSPIRE OR BRIDGE? Research has shown that there are 5 major influencing styles: RATIONALISING: Using logic, facts & reasoning. ASSERTING: Relying on laws, rules & authority.
9 DO YOU RATIONALISE, ASSERT, NEGOTIATE, INSPIRE OR BRIDGE? Research has shown that there are 5 major influencing styles: RATIONALISING: Using logic, facts & reasoning. ASSERTING: Relying on laws, rules & authority. NEGOTIATING: Looking for compromise.
9 DO YOU RATIONALISE, ASSERT, NEGOTIATE, INSPIRE OR BRIDGE? Research has shown that there are 5 major influencing styles: RATIONALISING: Using logic, facts & reasoning. ASSERTING: Relying on laws, rules & authority. NEGOTIATING: Looking for compromise. INSPIRING: Providing encouragement.
9 DO YOU RATIONALISE, ASSERT, NEGOTIATE, INSPIRE OR BRIDGE? Research has shown that there are 5 major influencing styles: RATIONALISING: Using logic, facts & reasoning. ASSERTING: Relying on laws, rules & authority. NEGOTIATING: Looking for compromise. INSPIRING: Providing encouragement. BRIDGING: Attempting to unite people.
9 DO YOU RATIONALISE, ASSERT, NEGOTIATE, INSPIRE OR BRIDGE? Research has shown that there are 5 major influencing styles: RATIONALISING: Using logic, facts & reasoning. ASSERTING: Relying on laws, rules & authority. NEGOTIATING: Looking for compromise. INSPIRING: Providing encouragement. BRIDGING: Attempting to unite people. Understanding your own style, as well as that of those around you, will help you identify which actions will be most effective.
AS A FINAL THOUGHT...
AS A FINAL THOUGHT... Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact, influence and inspiration. Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work, and you have to inspire teammates and customers. – Robin S. Sharma writer, speaker and leadership expert
Empower yourself with a world-class education from the University of Cape Town and GetSmarter: getsmarter.co.za
Ready to influence your career? getsmarter.co.za

More Related Content

12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work

  • 3. in·flu·ence noun “the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself”
  • 4. in·flu·ence noun “the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself” In business today, influence is power. But increasing your level of influence in the workplace requires some careful groundwork...
  • 5. DETERMINE WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO ACHIEVE. 1
  • 6. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS? WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BE IN 5 YEARS TIME? HOW ARE YOU GOING TO GET THERE? 1
  • 7. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS? WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BE IN 5 YEARS TIME? HOW ARE YOU GOING TO GET THERE? Understanding where you are at present, and where you want to be in the future, will help you focus your energy in the right places. 1
  • 9. THERE IS AN INHERENT LEVEL OF INFLUENCE THAT COMES WITH YOUR ROLE OR JOB TITLE... 2
  • 10. THERE IS AN INHERENT LEVEL OF INFLUENCE THAT COMES WITH YOUR ROLE OR JOB TITLE... But instead of seeing this as your influence boundary, see it as your influence starting point. 2
  • 11. THERE IS AN INHERENT LEVEL OF INFLUENCE THAT COMES WITH YOUR ROLE OR JOB TITLE... But instead of seeing this as your influence boundary, see it as your influence starting point. BE CONFIDENT IN WHAT YOU HAVE TO OFFER Your knowledge, experience & passion can (and should) be used to your advantage. 2
  • 12. IT’S A MATTER OF TRUST. 3
  • 13. INFLUENCE AND TRUST GO HAND IN HAND. 3
  • 14. INFLUENCE AND TRUST GO HAND IN HAND. If people do not trust your word or your abilities, you’ll be hard pressed to gain any influence over them. 3
  • 15. INFLUENCE AND TRUST GO HAND IN HAND. If people do not trust your word or your abilities, you’ll be hard pressed to gain any influence over them. HOW DO YOU CULTIVATE TRUST? By being open & honest at all times. 3
  • 17. 4 IF YOU EXECUTE TASKS ACCURATELY, ON TIME, EVERY TIME...
  • 18. 4 IF YOU EXECUTE TASKS ACCURATELY, ON TIME, EVERY TIME... People will see you as someone they can rely on.
  • 19. 4 IF YOU EXECUTE TASKS ACCURATELY, ON TIME, EVERY TIME... People will see you as someone they can rely on. The same goes for how you interact with people. If you consistently display good leadership qualities, your influence will increase.
  • 20. 4 IF YOU EXECUTE TASKS ACCURATELY, ON TIME, EVERY TIME... People will see you as someone they can rely on. The same goes for how you interact with people. If you consistently display good leadership qualities, your influence will increase. ALWAYS REMEMBER: Actions speak louder than words. So if you say you’re going to do something, be sure to deliver.
  • 22. HAVING INTEGRITY AND STICKING TO YOUR MORAL VALUES WILL SPEAK TO YOUR STRENGTH OF CHARACTER. 5
  • 23. HAVING INTEGRITY AND STICKING TO YOUR MORAL VALUES WILL SPEAK TO YOUR STRENGTH OF CHARACTER. INFLUENCERS DON’T BUCKLE UNDER PRESSURE. They do the right thing – always. 5
  • 25. 6 IDENTIFY & OBSERVE the top influencers in your organisation. 6
  • 26. 6 IDENTIFY & OBSERVE the top influencers in your organisation. EVEN BETTER: Build relationships with these influencers & use them as your mentors. 6
  • 28. 7 NOBODY EVER GOT TO THE TOP WITHOUT A LITTLE HELP ALONG THE WAY.
  • 29. 7 NOBODY EVER GOT TO THE TOP WITHOUT A LITTLE HELP ALONG THE WAY. SHOW GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION. Especially to those who have supported you. Because being a credit “hog” is the quickest way to lose that support again.
  • 32. 8 IT’S SIMPLE: INFLUENCERS NEED PEOPLE. Relationship building is crucial.
  • 33. 8 IT’S SIMPLE: INFLUENCERS NEED PEOPLE. Relationship building is crucial. REACH OUT
  • 34. 8 IT’S SIMPLE: INFLUENCERS NEED PEOPLE. Relationship building is crucial. REACH OUT CONNECT
  • 35. 8 IT’S SIMPLE: INFLUENCERS NEED PEOPLE. Relationship building is crucial. REACH OUT CONNECT LISTEN
  • 36. 8 IT’S SIMPLE: INFLUENCERS NEED PEOPLE. Relationship building is crucial. REACH OUT CONNECT LISTEN HAVE EMPATHY
  • 37. 8 IT’S SIMPLE: INFLUENCERS NEED PEOPLE. Relationship building is crucial. REACH OUT CONNECT LISTEN HAVE EMPATHY OFFER YOUR SUPPORT
  • 40. YOU CAN’T JUST WAIT AROUND, expecting your influence to be acknowledged through some form of cosmic or karmic power. 9
  • 41. YOU CAN’T JUST WAIT AROUND, expecting your influence to be acknowledged through some form of cosmic or karmic power. You have to be proactive about it. 9
  • 42. YOU CAN’T JUST WAIT AROUND, expecting your influence to be acknowledged through some form of cosmic or karmic power. You have to be proactive about it. MEET NEW PEOPLE 9
  • 43. YOU CAN’T JUST WAIT AROUND, expecting your influence to be acknowledged through some form of cosmic or karmic power. You have to be proactive about it. MEET NEW PEOPLE TRY NEW THINGS 9
  • 44. YOU CAN’T JUST WAIT AROUND, expecting your influence to be acknowledged through some form of cosmic or karmic power. You have to be proactive about it. MEET NEW PEOPLE TRY NEW THINGS NEVER STOP LEARNING 9
  • 46. IF THERE’S A PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED, DON’T WASTE ANY ENERGY TRYING TO PLACE BLAME... 10
  • 47. IF THERE’S A PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED, DON’T WASTE ANY ENERGY TRYING TO PLACE BLAME... Your focus should be on one thing, and one thing only: 10
  • 48. IF THERE’S A PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED, DON’T WASTE ANY ENERGY TRYING TO PLACE BLAME... Your focus should be on one thing, and one thing only: A SOLUTION You want to be seen as someone who can help the group move forward, not someone who holds the group back. 10
  • 50. 8 ONE OF THE GREATEST TRAITS OF ANY INFLUENCER IS THE ABILITY TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS.
  • 51. 8 ONE OF THE GREATEST TRAITS OF ANY INFLUENCER IS THE ABILITY TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS. INFLUENCERS ARE ABLE TO LEARN FROM THEIR MISTAKES They don’t wallow in self-pity, they come back fighting. Being able to motivate yourself in this way, also motivates those around you.
  • 53. 9 DO YOU RATIONALISE, ASSERT, NEGOTIATE, INSPIRE OR BRIDGE?
  • 54. 9 DO YOU RATIONALISE, ASSERT, NEGOTIATE, INSPIRE OR BRIDGE? Research has shown that there are 5 major influencing styles:
  • 55. 9 DO YOU RATIONALISE, ASSERT, NEGOTIATE, INSPIRE OR BRIDGE? Research has shown that there are 5 major influencing styles: RATIONALISING: Using logic, facts & reasoning.
  • 56. 9 DO YOU RATIONALISE, ASSERT, NEGOTIATE, INSPIRE OR BRIDGE? Research has shown that there are 5 major influencing styles: RATIONALISING: Using logic, facts & reasoning. ASSERTING: Relying on laws, rules & authority.
  • 57. 9 DO YOU RATIONALISE, ASSERT, NEGOTIATE, INSPIRE OR BRIDGE? Research has shown that there are 5 major influencing styles: RATIONALISING: Using logic, facts & reasoning. ASSERTING: Relying on laws, rules & authority. NEGOTIATING: Looking for compromise.
  • 58. 9 DO YOU RATIONALISE, ASSERT, NEGOTIATE, INSPIRE OR BRIDGE? Research has shown that there are 5 major influencing styles: RATIONALISING: Using logic, facts & reasoning. ASSERTING: Relying on laws, rules & authority. NEGOTIATING: Looking for compromise. INSPIRING: Providing encouragement.
  • 59. 9 DO YOU RATIONALISE, ASSERT, NEGOTIATE, INSPIRE OR BRIDGE? Research has shown that there are 5 major influencing styles: RATIONALISING: Using logic, facts & reasoning. ASSERTING: Relying on laws, rules & authority. NEGOTIATING: Looking for compromise. INSPIRING: Providing encouragement. BRIDGING: Attempting to unite people.
  • 60. 9 DO YOU RATIONALISE, ASSERT, NEGOTIATE, INSPIRE OR BRIDGE? Research has shown that there are 5 major influencing styles: RATIONALISING: Using logic, facts & reasoning. ASSERTING: Relying on laws, rules & authority. NEGOTIATING: Looking for compromise. INSPIRING: Providing encouragement. BRIDGING: Attempting to unite people. Understanding your own style, as well as that of those around you, will help you identify which actions will be most effective.
  • 62. AS A FINAL THOUGHT... Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact, influence and inspiration. Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work, and you have to inspire teammates and customers. – Robin S. Sharma writer, speaker and leadership expert
  • 63. Empower yourself with a world-class education from the University of Cape Town and GetSmarter: getsmarter.co.za
  • 64. Ready to influence your career? getsmarter.co.za