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4 Ways to Wield Influence in Your Organization

Everyone wants to wield influence in their organization. Influence is a fragile thing that has nothing to do with manipulation or being deceptive. Influence is all about helping others to see the value in your thoughts, ideas, and perspective.

If you are going to influence others you must agree to be subtle, intentional, and altruistic.

Here are 4 ways to help you be more influential in your organization:

Perception Awareness

1. 1. Be aware of the disconnect between what is said versus what is heard
   2. Do NOT assume. Assumptions limit our options
   3. Clarify. Ask.
   4. Identify alternative perspectives

Example: If I view a new document management tool as time saving and essential, there will be at least one other individual in my organization that will see it as unnecessary and cumbersome. Being aware of other perspectives will allow you to be more effective in your communication.

Reframe the information

1. 1. Use vernacular that your intended audience is familiar with
   2. Speak in terms of the other person’s priorities
   3. Use THEIR preferred method of communication

Example: If I am giving directions to someone, do they want exact mileage and street names? Do they want to navigate via landmarks along the route? Everyone desires different types of communication and if we want to wield influence with others we need to reframe our thoughts in a way that makes them most palatable to the person we are speaking to.

Issue Illumination

1. 1. Openly admit challenges
   2. Confirm THEIR emotions (don’t deny them)
   3. Work to maintain rational, logical discussion

Example: If someone is frustrated that they did not have a voice in a recent decision then admit their emotions by saying “I’m sure you are frustrated that your opinion wasn’t considered.” Give them time to appreciate you confirming their emotions and allow them to return to a logic state of mind. Then discuss how to better handle this in the future.

IDM (Is/Does/Means)

1. 1. Help others to move past what something IS or what something DOES
   2. Help them to realize what it MEANS (whether is a new initiative, idea, role, or product)

Example: If your organization is moving offices and not everyone is happy about it, help them to see what it means for the organizations.

What it IS: a new building

What it DOES: provide greater office space

What it MEANS: It means our organization can continue to grow and improve. It means that we are expecting great things in our organization’s future. It means that you can be assured of stability and the quicker opportunity for your advancement. It means you can rest assured that our organization will continue to care about the employees. It MEANS peace of mind.

Everyone deserves to wield influence in their organization. Not only d0 we want our voices heard, we want to be the most effective and impactful in our roles. I hope this article helps you to be effective and empowered in all your efforts. As a final disclaimer, please only use this information for influencing, not for manipulating.