As John Hardwick kindly mentioned yesterday, I’ve a few ideas about politics and influence. With nigh on 20 years experience coaching and training people on influence, here are 7 of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to influence:-
- Not Trying. Talking yourself out of even attempting to influence. “They’ll never say yes.”
- Half-Hearted Attempt: Having a go, knowing they’ll say no. “They’ll never say yes but I’ve got to be seen to try.”
- Speaking the Wrong Language. Using your own jargon and buzzwords instead of translating it into their world.
- Ignoring their Agenda. Understandable since your agenda is the most important one on the planet.
- Assuming their Agenda. You know what they are really after, you don’t even need to check. A tad arrogant me thinks.
- Lack of Benefits: Or at least, failure to connect your ask with benefits to them. “They have the intelligence, and I wouldn’t want to patronise them.”
- Trying Too Hard: Protesting too much? Looking a little desperate?
There are simple ways to avoid all of these mistakes that are well within your capability – yes, even you.
But first, be honest, which of these are you most guilty of?
Colin Gautrey
Provocative Coach/Mentor | Specialism: Impact and Influence
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