Exploring your environment is very important when it comes to being successful. However, that can only get you so far.
Assuming you have been applying yourself to this endeavour, by now you will have learned a great deal that will help you to work out the context and climate in which you are operating.
Now, I want to bring you back to your purpose — becoming an influential leader. Implied in this is that you know what you want to influence in your arena. Earlier, in Influence Processes and Goals, I suggested a process to follow when you are clear about your influencing goals. Now it is time to stretch this into a bigger purpose or strategy.
Thinking about the environment where you want to succeed, perhaps your division, organisation or industry …
- How should it change to succeed in the current climate?
- What does it need to stop doing, start doing or completely transform?
- What significant cultural or mindset shifts need to take place?
- List three things you think should change — significant things.
- What would create a seismic shift in this setting?
- How would other people answer these questions?
Now start to bring this closer to home — what would you like to take responsibility for influencing? Draw up a range of options based on your responses to the questions above. You don’t have to take total ownership, but these things need to be important enough to you that you are prepared to take concrete action to make them happen.
I usually find that it helps here to merge your answers to the above questions with these …
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- What is causing you the most pain right now?
- What, if changed, would make your work much easier?
- In your environment, what change would transform the value of your work?
Once you’ve got a shortlist, make a decision …
- Which option is most attractive/fun/exciting to you?
- Which is of critical importance to you?
- How do the risks and rewards compare? For you and for others?
- What are the different timescales involved?
- How much effort might each take?
- Which will be the most stretching?
- How do the options compare in terms of feasibility?
- Which option are you going to pursue?
If you want to be really successful as an Influential Leader, you have to be an actor not a passenger. You may be able to keep your head down and survive as a passenger, but you will never be able to fully influence the direction the organisation is taking.
In another later article, I will help you to work out how to build a campaign to move your favoured option forward. In the meantime, refine and settle your ideas on what you want to influence strategically.
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]