Influencing Not Telling

In order for woman to succeed in the world of business, the skill of influencing is very important. Whether you are a manager, an entrepreneur or a group leader, having influence is something which will help you achieve success.

In order to be successful, you need to have the support of the people with whom you work. Not only is the support of the people within your business important, you need the support from people outside your organization as well. Customers, staff, financiers, regulators and suppliers are some of the people whose support is vital for you to have. However in order to be able to gain this support, you need to be able to influence in a positive way, rather than bluntly giving people information.  Nobody likes a ‘know-it-all”!

There are very few people including women, who do this well; most people tend to tell the staff, family, friends or customers what to do rather than influencing them.  Influencing is definitely a more positive way of conducting business and gaining the support of those around you. Some managers/leaders give information to employees which they are already aware of. They believe that by giving people information, they will be able to influence them. This however is not true.

One of the best ways in which you can ensure success is to make use of influence. You need to possess the ability of persuading others and selling your ideas in the right manner. You should have individuality which people can relate to and understand.  Having qualities such as empathy and good listening skills will make you stand out from the rest of the managers.  These traits are something which can give you an edge over the other people and definitely put you at an advantage.

In order to reach the top of your organization and to help your organization succeed, you need to be able to win the hearts and minds of the people with whom you work. Make them aware of your ideas in the appropriate manner and help them understand if they do not. Leadership is not about dominating others; it is about being the best at what you do and working together as a team. Walk your talk to ensure people respect you rather than being afraid of you. Inspire them to do better and be better at the work they are required to do.

Some of the ways by which you can increase your influence is by:

1.    When you talk, speak about the issues which are related to the workers rather than which relate only to you.
2.    Understand what influence actually is and use those principles appropriately
3.    Help others to accept your ideas by answering all their questions
4.    Develop your influence around the way people behave and think

These are just a few ways in which you can use your influence positively; no one way works perfectly. Understanding the needs of the people you work with and help meet those needs, is the only way you will be able to gain their support.