Be it remote or hybrid, workplaces are shifting toward a collaborative team-centered culture from the traditional hierarchical model. Organizations need to focus on leadership at all levels, and people need to gain the ability to lead regardless of their role. Leadership is not a position or title — it is a mindset that needs to be embraced by all within the organization. To be able to do this, the ability to influence without authority is essential in current and future times.
How does a leader develop the skills needed to influence without authority? Here are some aspects to reflect and work upon:
Accept who we are. Understanding self is the most important aspect. A quote from Lao Tzu is very apt here, “Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”
Our thoughts influence not just our emotions, but also our actions. The path toward influencing begins within ourselves. Understanding who we are and how we speak creates the influence, and also helps us determine our purpose in life that gives us a direction to move forward.
Develop meaningful and strong relationships. However talented we are, we can never achieve great outcomes all by ourselves or by working in silos. To quote Helen Keller, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” In order to do great things, it is important for us to make the right connections and build rapport where we are able to influence others positively. Developing and maintaining meaningful relationships at every level that is mutually beneficial is an important part of influencing. What this translates to is authenticity and the ability to express a genuine interest in people with whom we interact and work.
Building trust. Trust is the currency of relationship, leadership, change or even business. It is the bedrock of developing relationships that last long. When people trust us, they listen actively and are influenced by what we express. This also helps in building credibility among colleagues and friends. Building a strong reputation for being straightforward, transparent, value-driven and reliable in everything we do helps in building trust and respect for us from all our stakeholders.
Practice lifelong and continual learning. Knowledge and Information is the true power — the more knowledgeable you are, the more powerful and valuable we become. We learn when we are able to unlearn and relearn. When we welcome new information or ideas with an open heart and arms, we are able to quickly imbibe new aspects, grow and adapt ourselves.
Increasing our knowledge and competencies in the specialties we work on and in leadership makes us valuable to the organization and our customers. Our value truly increases when we are able to learn new skills, technologies, methodologies and develop our thinking process in a strategic manner, as well as when we use our capabilities to find solutions to day-to-day challenges.
Playing to our strengths. What makes us unique are our special gifts and talents. Recognizing these and sharpening our strengths enable us to play to our strengths. This expertise enables us to support our team, colleagues and create the best outcomes. Identifying those strengths, practicing by volunteering and leveraging on those makes us more valuable as leaders. This also helps in influencing in a positive manner.
Value the gifts of others. Every person desires acknowledgement and appreciation. As a leader, be generous in identifying the best ways to appreciate and recognize good work. This not only makes people feel valued, but also increases their trust and belongingness toward the team and organization. The beautiful moments that are created at work and the happiness that is generated makes people more engaged and a leader who brings the best out of the team is more influential.
Be available for people you work with. Get to know them better, understand their aspirations, listen empathetically and support them. This is how we can gain influence without power, authority or title. This influence and credibility enable us to make a positive difference in everything we do!
