4 Keys to Improving Your Ability to Influence Without Authority
I love working with young and mid-career leaders who are committed to their own growth and learning. I am especially struck by those that come looking to find their way through this important topic. As the workplace evolves, and team dynamics and structures change, the organizational definition of team continues to broaden and evolve.
Successful organizations look beyond “individual team” levels ie – the Sales Team, the Operations Team, the IT Team, the Finance Team etc… to how the entire organization operates as a team. Each of these units plays a critical role in the overall organizations success. Sports teams are an easy example of when all members come together, amazing things can happen - underdogs beat champions.
Alignment of units that form the team requires more than just communication at the top. Leadership and communication between units is vital to removing obstacles and barriers that otherwise slow progress toward the greater goal. This is where Influencing Without Authority becomes crucial.
The topic often shows up in Coaching when a Leader experiences frustration and helplessness to support their own team when it is being impacted by the actions and performance of other teams.
Exploration of the topic consistently yielded the following critical components that individuals prepared for to successfully Influence Without Authority:
1) Identify & Communicate a Compelling Shared Vision
The Why? Often the biggest missing piece is an understanding of what we are all working toward - the greater goal. This is deeper than a financial target, or sales quota. What needs to be satisfied or produced to achieve those goals? What role does each unit/team play in contributing to that vision? If you don’t know what the vision is, ask the group what one thing you’re all ultimately working toward!
2) Building Alignment by Creating a Safe Space
If you walk into a room armed with all the reasons things aren’t working, get ready for a battle, your team mates are about to become your defensive opponents. Remember, your view of what’s happening is only your perspective. What would be possible if you could see the situation through your team members perspective? To understand each other’s challenges and perspectives and road blocks. Empathy is a gateway to alignment, trust and change. Knowing what’s at stake for each party lays a foundation for a productive and solution oriented rather than defensive discussion.
3) A Collaborative Approach to Create Buy In & Foster Accountability
Foundational to leadership is the idea that an individual is more likely to do and be accountable to an action they create rather than one they are told to do. Now that teams are armed with the knowledge and a well-rounded perspective of the overall goal and each other’s challenges, a team brainstorm is a great place to start creating action. What 2 or 3 actions can each team or individual do to contribute to the achievement of the greater goal?
4) Awareness of our Own Individual Limiting Beliefs
Before we as individuals can truly step into our best leadership selves, it’s important to be able to identify and, where possible, dispel the Limiting Beliefs we hold about ourselves. We can only lead others as far as we believe we can take ourselves. Notice the thoughts that go through your mind as you step into various situations where you are required to influence without authority – do you ask questions without pre-empted answer? Do you assume or wonder how others will see you? Does changing the way you act or approach a situation make you wonder if others will think you are being inauthentic? Do you wonder if others will question your experience or expertise?
Whether it is part of your work or part of your life, the ability to influence with or without authority is an important skill that will greatly affect your ability to achieve any goal, especially your own. If you’re a high achiever, don’t let a struggle with this skill get in your way! Reach out for help, find a Coach, ask for Feedback.
Stay tuned for more on Limiting Beliefs!
