Priority to listening and analysis
First of all, persuasion is important, but listening is even more so. Before presenting your ideas, start by listening carefully to your colleagues, to understand exactly why they are promoting an idea that may differ from yours. Perhaps the best common ground is a proposal that lies exactly between your project and theirs. Take the time to listen to what they have to say, so that you can demonstrate your willingness to propose an alternative solution.
Before deploying any influence strategy, it's essential to understand the organizational dynamics and stakeholders involved. A critical analysis of the culture, hierarchical relationships and current issues enables you to target opportunities for intervention. Understanding stakeholders' motivations and concerns creates a solid foundation for building convincing arguments.
The importance of networking
People are inclined to follow you mainly because they like you. Therefore, it's essential to focus your efforts on building a relational network that will enable you to gain credibility, gain recognition within your professional circle, and thus obtain the valuable support you need in implementing your ideas. Let your peers get to know you and build strong bonds with you. This will help avoid any doubts about your motives or the attribution of bad intentions on your part.
Pay attention to tone and language
"It's all in the manner! People often need to be reassured that we're capable of handling a particular job. Non-verbal language is essential to effective communication: choosing the right posture will send a message of confidence and mastery. Maintaining a slightly lower tone of voice than usual can counteract the effects of nervousness. These are simple tricks, but they have a considerable impact on the way your message is perceived by your interlocutor.
Become an expert in your field
An excellent way of promoting your ideas and convincing those around you is to become an expert in your field. This process won't happen overnight, of course, but it can earn you points if your expertise becomes unique or essential to the organization. Don't hesitate to take part in conferences or training courses related to your objectives, which could benefit the whole company. Never forget that if your proposal seems to be motivated solely by your personal interests, it may not be defended by others, and this could seriously harm you.
A few points to bear in mind to maximize the chances of success of your influence strategy:
- Ensure consistency between your personal values and those of the organization;
- Assert your accountability: assuming the consequences of your recommendations will strengthen your credibility;
- Develop your interpersonal communications, based on empathy and active listening, enabling you to forge solid links with stakeholders;
- Assert your ideas with respect, while remaining open to comments and adjustments;
- Monitor stakeholder engagement to ensure that they are fulfilling the points they have committed to... and cultivate the ground for future collaborations.
To conclude
Positive influence within an organization, even without holding a management position, relies on a thoughtful, well-orchestrated approach. Careful analysis of the situation, development of a strategy aligned with values, execution with leadership and adaptability, and careful monitoring are the pillars of this approach. By cultivating interpersonal communication, empathy and negotiation skills, the expert can play a crucial role in the company's decision-making and progress. Influence, when exercised with integrity, contributes to personal growth, the advancement of ideas and positive influence within the organization.
So, what ideas would you like to propose at your next business meeting? Happy brainstorming!
To find out more :
Influence: advance your ideas and projects within the organization
