Ugh. It happened again.
While teaching a program on influence and leadership, someone asked the question I hate to be asked: “This sounds really hard. Is there a way to shortcut—or fake—influence before you have it?”
The question irks me because it reminds me of the expression, “If it was easy, everyone would do it.” No, there’s no way to fake leadership and influence. Let me explain why 👉(read here)
You can’t build influence, be a person of influence, or inspire influence in others if your heart and soul aren’t in it for the right reason.
Whether you seek more confidence to speak up in a meeting, pursue a promotion or job, lead an initiative, or start a movement, building influence follows several key steps, in this recent article published on Porchlight Book Company I offer valuable insights 👉(read here)
While there are no shortcuts to building your influence, there are some hacks you can apply at your next meeting to begin enhancing it:
#1 Arrive (to meetings, conversations) prepared
#2 Raise your hand (don’t just wait to be called on)
#3 Sit up front (where you can be seen)
#4 Project your voice (strong and confident)
#5 Keep your head straight (avoid head tilting)
#6 Listen more than you speak (learn to use silence strategically)
#7 Stop apologizing (own your voice and space)
#8 Ask good questions (don’t just speak to be speaking)
#9 Embrace the naysayers (resist getting defensive, try to learn)
#10 Avoid hesitating words (“I think…” “maybe we could…”)
The truth is, you can’t fake making a lasting impact and building true influence, where your ideas, vision, and message are received and followed as intended. I invite you to take the time to intentionally build your influence and make your mark, get your copy of The New Rules of Influence so you can begin today. The time is now!
**As originally published in my LinkedIn Newsletter.
