Demonstrating Influence

Which one of the following tips from the Inc Magazine article, “7 Ways to Build Influence in the Workplace,” do you feel is the most important?

1. Build Trust with your Co-workers
2. Cultivate Reliability Through Consistency
3. Be Assertive, Not Aggressive
4. Be Flexible
5. Be Personal
6. Focus on Actions Rather than Argument
7. Listen to Others

All of these tips are very strong suggestions, and the article explains why they are important for increasing your influence as leader. For me, the most important tip is focusing on actions rather than argument, because influence is not always about saying the right words. We need to be able to put our ideas into action and demonstrate how they can be accomplished. We need to show, not tell.

Emergent’s year-long LeadFORWARD leadership development program works with leaders on building influence by strengthening their Emotional Intelligence in all areas, including their relationships and their teams.