Metaphors in business life are a great way of developing new ideas about what you can do to become more successful. If you are ambitious and working in a large organisation, consider for a moment the metaphor that gaining promotion to a senior post is akin to running for election.
This would mean that you need to stand for something that the electorate identify with and believe it is an important issue affecting them. They would also need to feel confident that they can trust you and that you are the right person to get the job done. You would need to understand them well, have critical insights about the threats and opportunities your country faces, and keep a canny watch on the political moves of the opposition. Indeed, just like a politician, you would need to really stand out from the crowd with a compelling and inspirational manifesto.
To get elected, you would need to establish a campaign, get significant influencers to support you, work on your party communications strategy, and even mobilise the party faithful to print and hand out the leaflets while you get up on the podium to move the masses. And of course, once elected, you would need to reward your supporters for their loyalty and hard work — otherwise your reign could be short-lived.
So, back to corporate life (if in fact we ever left it!), as a rising star in your organisation, you need to stand for something different. Not having clear opinions about strategy, policy or direction is not an option. You have to be clear and stand out from the crowd. You also need to attract the attention of senior executives and gain their support along the way. In short, you need to find your voice.
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.
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A few questions to get you started…
- Where is your organisation going wrong?
- 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.
- Are these ideas radical and different from what other prominent people are saying?
- Finalise your manifesto and start planning.
If you’ve followed my previous posts about influence, you will notice that effectively what you are arriving at here is an influencing goal. Once you have your goal, you can pull out the Stakeholder Influence Process and get to work. Bring the campaign planning team around your Influence Map and start to identify the people who can help or hinder your goal, and agree your strategy and plan.
By doing this you are entering the political fray. You risk others noticing you and moving to ambush or assassinate you. By not doing this you run the risk of remaining one of the crowd waving the party flag. By doing this you run the very real risk that you might actually win the election and then be able to implement your ideas.
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]