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The Do’s and Don’ts of Influence
In leading project teams of assorted personalities, motives and mindsets, the ability to influence is almost always more effective than an Iron Hand approach. Here are some guidelines to help strengthen your powers of persuasion and move others to action.
Much of our work today depends on our ability to influence groups of people we lead or work with on projects. Groups are made up of many personalities, mindsets, motives and agendas — some explicit and others hidden — so having a specific strategy for influencing teams can mean the difference between success and failure.
Effective influencers have a good set of communication behaviors and know how and when to use them. They strategize which to use based on their assessment and the result they want. They are flexible in developing an approach and responding in the moment.
As an influencer, you assert your needs and make specific suggestions to others about how they can meet your needs. Influence is not manipulation. These behaviors should not be exercised aggressively, or else the team or group you’re seeking to influence may resist or withdraw.
To successfully lead a group or team, consider the following do’s and don’ts. These tips will help you to be an effective influencer and to prepare for the challenges you’re likely to experience when you seek to lead teams and groups.
DO mentally separate the group.
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