In complex leadership arenas you do not have the time to influence everyone directly. That is why you need to get very efficient and working out how to influence groups. When you can do this, you can reap the economic rewards by gaining even more influence.
Before you rush out and do this however, make sure you are crystal clear on how you want to influence a given group. Any effort you put into group influence will be wasted, and potentially make things worse (the related readings will help you here).
Here are seven ways you can begin to develop your capability to influence groups:
- Demonstrating your understanding, building empathy. In earlier articles, you were encouraged to build your political and strategic understanding of important groups. Now you have to find ways to communicate clearly that you have these insights.
- Advocate their agenda, cause etc., become their unofficial (or official) champion. It is unusual for an outsider to spend time fighting for someone else’s interests. Maybe you haven’t got time, or is this an opportunity to invest some time?
The Gautrey Influence Blog
Ever felt overlooked, unheard, or stuck in office politics? You’re not alone. The Gautrey Influence Blog breaks down the real-world strategies behind leadership, influence, and power—giving you the tools to be heard, respected, and successful. Join 35,000+ professionals getting ahead the smart way—subscribe now.
Benchmark your Influence: Take the Master of Influence Assessment (Free for Subscribers!)
[Subscribe & Take the Assessment]
- Connect their agenda to yours and demonstrate mutual interest. Most people are just worried about their own problems and don’t even ask about the other parties’ concerns. Find genuine ways that show not only mutual benefit, but incremental advantages that can be gained by working together.
- Work to increase your visibility within the group in a supportive manner. Also make sure you are seen positively interacting with the influential people in the group. Junior members of the group will notice how their seniors are treating you and will likely follow their lead.
- Take every opportunity to present to group members. You don’t have to be always agreeing with them, but you do need to make sure that you communicate your understanding of their position and challenges.
- Remember to fully utilise all mediums for influence. Newsletters, magazines and forum may be great places to demonstrate your support and also present your case.
- Remember indirect routes to influence. Who else is in your stakeholder group who has influence with the group? What can they do to represent your case? If they hear someone they trust advocating you and recommending that they get on board with you that is likely to be far more potent than trying to go direct. This is especially so if your advocate has no personal interest in promoting you.
Naturally, I’m assuming you are already making full use of the Stakeholder Influence Process. This is an ideal way to map out the strategic moves you need to take in order to achieve the influencing goal you have set for a particular group.
The Gautrey Influence Blog
Ever felt overlooked, unheard, or stuck in office politics? You’re not alone. The Gautrey Influence Blog breaks down the real-world strategies behind leadership, influence, and power—giving you the tools to be heard, respected, and successful. Join 35,000+ professionals getting ahead the smart way—subscribe now..
Benchmark your Influence: Take the Master of Influence Assessment (Free for Subscribers!)
[Subscribe & Take the Assessment]