Unleashing Influence:
A Decade-Tested Blueprint for Workplace Impact
Embark on a transformative journey towards becoming a person of influence in your workplace with our comprehensive guide – “Ten Steps to Influence.” About 5 years ago I wrote a ten-part series on how to increase your influence in your workplace with the leadership team. Many of us would like to gain a seat at the table with top leaders in their workplace. Anyone can take steps in an organization to be a greater contributor and thrive in their workplace, no matter their position.
All employees that understand the value and importance of mastering industry knowledge, developing executive presence, contributing value, and building strong relationships will benefit from these steps to the top.
Unlocking Influence: A Sneak Peek
Discover how mastering industry knowledge, cultivating executive presence, and fostering robust relationships can propel you to the forefront of leadership conversations. Whether you’re an HR professional, an aspiring leader, or an administrative assistant, these steps are tailored to elevate your influence, regardless of your current position. Review these 10 steps to Influence that will challenge your thinking and get you on track to gain a seat at the table in your career.
The Blueprint for Success
Step one: Master the essentials: Become an expert in your field, understand the business’s financial health, and learn to quantify the value of your contributions. Leadership is interested it what impacts the bottom line and increases profits.
Step two: Develop executive presence: Engage with your leadership team on their preferred platforms (e.g., social media, industry events) and demonstrate your thought leadership knowledge. Share articles with the leadership team that helps them know that you are on their page.
Step three: Learn to “crunch the numbers”: Analyze data relevant to the leadership team’s interests (e.g., turnover, employee satisfaction) and translate it into actionable insights. If you work at a public company, purchase stock, and read the reports that come out on a regular basis. It will give you a new perspective and insight.
Step four: Invest in your skills: Take courses, attend conferences, and seek mentorship to continuously improve your knowledge and capabilities. Ask for an executive coach to help you improve your skills. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn from your employer.
Step five: Pursue advanced certifications: Earning credentials like MBA or SHRM or whatever certification offered in your field demonstrates your commitment to excellence and expertise.
Step six: Get to know your organization: Understand the business’s goals, challenges, and competitive landscape. Look at your company website, newsletters, and PR.
Step seven: Transform your role from cost center to revenue generator: Focus on initiatives that improve profitability and contribute directly to the bottom line. Every role can be a generation with creativity on your part.
Step eight: Build strong relationships: Engage with employees at all levels, listen attentively, and offer solutions that address their needs and concerns.
Step nine: Find a mentor or coach: Seek guidance from experienced professionals who can help you develop your skills and navigate the leadership team’s landscape.
Step ten: Become a continuous contributor: Never stop learning and growing, and actively share your knowledge and expertise to add value to the organization.
The target audience for these steps in unlimited: HR professionals, aspiring leaders, administrative assistants, and anyone seeking to increase their influence and impact within an organization.
Strengths of the Blueprint
Actionable advice: The article provides specific steps and resources to help readers implement the recommendations.
A clear focus on value contribution: It emphasizes the importance of demonstrating tangible value to the leadership team.
Holistic approach: Addresses various aspects of career development and leadership, not just technical skills.
This material is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to advance their career and gain a seat at the leadership table. By following the recommendations and adapting them to your specific context, readers can increase their visibility, influence, and contributions.
Real Success Stories
One of my clients shared with me her success story. She always says yes to the requests she gets from the leadership team at the first opportunity. Then quickly asks what their vision is for this request she has said yes to. She then focuses on the why and not the what or how as this will come when all understand why we do what we do. Once she knows the vision and the why, she follows with a discussion about what it will look like when it is completed. She helps the leadership team at her company to go down the right path with the best interests of the entire company. She now sits on the leadership team as an influencer.
