Influence, an elusive trait for many, is profoundly intertwined with one's ability to radiate confidence. Throughout my journey, I've discovered that the true power to inspire and command respect hinges largely on one's assurance in their abilities, knowledge, and judgements. People naturally gravitate towards those who embody confidence. Thus, lesson #16 from my catalogue of insights on influence is unequivocal: Keep your confidence levels at maximum. Read More

Here’s an example of how provocation and challenge combined with a learning mindset can quickly transform events and outcomes.

Colin: "What would you like to work on today?"

Client: "Taking things personally. When I experience tough challenges I take things personally, I don’t know why, feels like I am failing and it is hard to take. I don’t show this, but it hits me on the inside. In a few days I’m up before an executive committee and I know I’m in for a tough time, they are going to hammer me because we have not met expectations, and I know it’s going to get ugly." Read More

No doubt about it, the most gratifying aspect of my private client coaching practice is observing the transformations people make. 

Noticing the way stress begins to evaporate, a sense of calm returns. Relaxed yet also alive and buzzing with excitement for a new chapter in their journey. Oh, and the smiles, and the laughs. These tell me that the change is taking root, new habits are forming, and their reality has shifted.

It can be a long journey, or a short simple one. All depends how ready you are, how motivated, and also how resilient you will be along the development path to withstand the provocative questions and challenge.

While there is no fixed reliable route map, several common stages need to be negotiated, in a more or less linear fashion: Read More

In the journey towards cultivating extraordinary influence, there's a crucial lesson to be learned: the power of emotional control. It's all too easy to fall into the trap of reacting emotionally to the actions of others, especially opponents or adversaries. Yet, counterintuitive as it may seem, this impulsive emotional reaction often plays right into their hands, giving them the upper hand in any situation. So, let's delve into why maintaining emotional equilibrium is key and how you can implement this lesson effectively.

Imagine a scenario where one of your opponents takes an action that you find infuriating. Your initial instinct might be to respond immediately, letting your emotions take the lead. However, this knee-jerk reaction is precisely what your opponent is hoping for. By luring you into an emotional response, they gain control over the situation, while you become the unwitting pawn in their game. Your emotions cloud your judgment, hindering your ability to think rationally and strategically. Read More

Political capital, an often overlooked concept, is a crucial factor in achieving objectives within an organisation. It's the reservoir of influence you can draw upon to advance your initiatives. Essentially, it's the measure of influential individuals ready to back you, even when it doesn't serve their immediate interests.

Building such capital is about forging deep-rooted relationships where reciprocity is paramount. It's a symbiotic dynamic with benefits for both parties. Particularly in expansive organisations, individuals must combine strengths and resources to achieve mutual goals.  Read More

If you've been on a quest to understand influence, you might have come across countless virtues that make an influencer effective. But, if there's one element that's often overlooked, yet undeniably impactful, it's 'oomph'. A quaint term, it encapsulates the spirit of those who stand head and shoulders above the rest in their chosen field.  Read More

In today's competitive global landscape, especially within vast, geographically dispersed organisations, a universal challenge persists: how to stand out and grab the attention of those who matter. While many resort to showcasing their talents and proclaiming their worth, there exists a more efficient and subtle approach, which I call 'jumping into the line of fire'.

Understanding this principle requires one to think differently. Instead of beckoning stakeholders to divert their gaze towards you, it’s about identifying where their focus currently lies and positioning yourself firmly within that view. Dive deep into understanding the complexities, challenges, and needs of your senior executives. Then, align your unique set of skills, capabilities, and objectives with theirs. By doing so, you're not merely presenting your worth; you're demonstrating a proactive commitment to the organisation's broader goals. Read More

In the quest for influence, particularly in hierarchical professional structures, understanding the bigger picture is not just a recommendation—it’s a necessity. The world is teeming with diligent workers who remain rooted to their immediate roles, which, while commendable, can sometimes lead to a limited view. However, if your aspiration is to wield extraordinary influence, it's crucial to elevate your perspective. Read More