How much influence do you have?
Recently I received a call from a colleague who was looking for a new job. After we caught up I asked her, why did she call me? My colleague explained she had applied for a new position and was hoping I knew the hiring manager.
Before I answered her question, I asked why she wanted to make a change. Over the next twenty minutes, we discussed her reasons for applying for the position. She explained it was time to make a change.
After she answered all of my coaching questions and I was sure she was on the right track, I asked her why did she think I knew the hiring manager? She said, “because you know everybody!”
I laughed and told her “yes I knew the hiring manager.” She asked would I reach out to the hiring manager. I agreed to make a phone call on her behalf.
As I reflected on my conversation with her, I wondered why she thought I knew everyone. It wasn’t because of my title or position. So, what gave her that impression?
Over the course of our time together, she had the opportunity to observe how I used informal power across our organization to assist in achieving goals.
What is informal power? It’s your ability to lead without an official leadership title. According to my mentor John Maxwell, “leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less.”
How do you increase your influence and acquire informal power? It starts with increasing your influence. The following four tips will help you increase your influence and expand your informal power.
- Cultivate relationships across your organization
- Seek to understand before you try to persuade
- Mind your tone and body language
- Develop your expertise so you can add value to others
Ken Blanchard said, “The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.” During my time in various organizations, I have always worked to expand my network. My goal is to add value to others.
By adding value to others, you make yourself a valuable member of the organization.
If you are in a position to influence someone, you are a leader.”
Sheri Drew
To increase your leadership, expand your informal power.
How much influence do you have?
Your leadership guide,
Kim
Dr. Kim Moore | Your Leadership Guide | kimdmoore.com
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