16 tips to increase your influence

16 TIPS TO INCREASE YOUR INFLUENCE IN THE WORKPLACE!

Developing your ability to influence is essential to a successful career! You may have expertise, skills and good judgment, but if you can’t influence the right people and get your ideas across, they may not get very far! Those who are influential and politically astute know how to make their mark, but never at the expense of others. They know how to position themselves and increase their credibility; they create bonds of trust and make allies, but always with respect for others and the organizational culture.

Here’s a roundup of tips to increase your influence in the workplace:

1. Talk to everyone in your organization, regardless of hierarchical level, education or age. A network is built one individual at a time. Make allies in every department!
2. Take part in social events and go luncheoning with different colleagues. The wider your network, the more influence you’ll have.
3. Express your commitment to your employer and show loyalty. Your ideas are more likely to get through if your commitment is felt and sincere than if you have mastered the art of criticizing your employer’s practices, policies and initiatives!
4. Don’t make false promises if you don’t have the time or the means to keep them.
5. Take your service to the next level and get results.

Taking an interest and communicating the key to increasing your influence

1. Take an interest in the people around you. Take the time to understand your colleagues’ personalities, needs and aspirations. This way, you can tailor your approach to each individual.
2. Work on your communication skills (oral and written). A well-formulated message gains in interest and credibility.
3. Don’t pose a professional threat to your superiors and colleagues by showing off your ambitions and knowledge. Be a “quiet force”.
4. Keep abreast of new trends and what’s being done elsewhere in your field of expertise. This will enable you to propose projects or get involved in those that seem strategic and promising for the future.
5. Respect your colleagues! You’ll earn their trust and cooperation.
6. Use humor! You’ll be a pleasure to work with.
7. Be humble. Take an interest in the work of other departments. Don’t pretend you have the answers to everything.
8. Give positive feedback and encouragement.
9. Cultivate good relations with those who don’t share your point of view. It’s possible to influence an opponent, but more difficult to influence an enemy!
10. Identify your organization’s priorities, and the projects, issues or files that your superiors value. You’ll be able to speak their language and be strategic in your actions!
11. Make sure you take an active part in meetings, by being well prepared.

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