Influencing others and being seen

At work do you sometimes get frustrated with how difficult it is to get your ideas hears, to get people on side, to make things happen? Getting good at influencing could help.

You’re working hard, doing a good job, going above and beyond (and beyond that sometimes) but you still feel you’re not being seen or heard, getting the recognition you feel you deserve? You may feel that you start something but struggle to get traction?

So many people I work with in coaching sessions or larger group workshops voice this frustration. It feels like pushing the boulder up hill and never getting anywhere. Step back and consider the effect on an organisation where so many people are feeling stuck like this. Not great for morale and not good for productivity.

I believe that how you influence others (or indeed if you influence others at all) is key to this frustration. Take a moment to consider how strategic you are about communication and actively influencing those around you, those more senior and anyone outside the business or organisation that affect your success (these might be customers/clients, partners, collaborators, anyone that enables you to do what you do). What’s the conclusion? Are you at all strategic? If the answer’s no, you’re not alone.

There are a number of things you can do that will help you and your work be seen and through this, you will be able to influence decision makers to help you get things done.

Get to know people and proactively build a network

Firstly, and this is foundational – make it a priority to be building connections. Too many people I work with only think of this when they need a favour or for someone to collaborate with them. It’s so much more likely to get a positive answer if you have already have a good level of trust in place. And trust is built through both knowing someone and reciprocity. Reach out to people, stay in touch with people you’ve met, ask for introductions. Doing this with nothing to ask in return is so much easier. Oh but this is awkward, so many say. Actually, it is only awkward if you allow it to feel so. What’s the worst thing that can happen? They don’t reply? There are many reasons for this and it won’t be personal. If you have a good network of connections, when you need a favour or some expertise or just a friendly ear, it’s there.

Share your expertise and ideas firmly and often

Don’t assume everyone knows what you do and what you’re good at. They are likely too busy. Speak firmly, share often, say it multiple times, to multiple people. In a helpful way. This is not boasting, this is helping people know what they can come to you for. And when something comes up that is aligned with what you’re good at, or what you want to be doing, they are so much more likely to come to you.

Ask for advice

People love being asked for advice. Don’t be afraid of asking what people think, how they might approach it, especially if you want to get something agreed by decision makers. Sharing your ideas early with the right people can make it so much easier to get buy in from others. They’ll also love the fact that they were in it from early on and are more likely to speak about your ideas. Which makes it an easier sell as we’re so much more likely to back someone if a colleague or partner speaks highly of them.

Keep asking questions and be curious

Telling people what they need to do works in some situations. But mostly, people love to think they chose to do this thing themselves. Asking how they might approach it, what are their options, what are good outcomes what might get in the way, opens up thinking and empowers people to act. Being curious about all of this and helping others develop curiosity themselves means they will be more interested in what you’re thinking and more likely to come on board with your suggestions. This is true reciprocity and always works better than simply telling people to do what you want.

Constructive communication

Through coaching, it’s possible to take a step back from the day to day and gain perspective, put together a plan and try out some new communication tools.

If this sounds useful to you, get in touch and we can have a chat to discuss coaching.

Email me or call 07785 996917