To be effective in organizations today, you must be able to influence people. Your title alone isn’t always enough to sway others, nor do you always have a formal position. So, what’s the best way to position yourself as an informal leader? How do you motivate colleagues to support your initiatives and adopt your ideas? How can you become a go-to person that others look to for guidance and expert advice?
How to Increase Your Influence at Work
To be effective in organizations today, you must be able to influence people. Here are some tips on how to position yourself as an informal leader, even if you’re not a formal one. (1) Strategize. Create a “power map” — an org chart of decision makers related to the initiative you wish to promote — to guide your campaign. Think about how and when you will approach your colleagues. (2) Craft your message. Prepare a concise elevator pitch about your idea. Then, based on your map, customize your pitch, taking into account your individual colleagues’ needs, perspectives, and temperaments. (3) Cultivate allies. Ask colleagues for their advice and incorporate their feedback. Enlist colleagues who are enthusiastic about your idea to serve as ambassadors. (4) Develop expertise. Stay up-to-date about your topic area. Attend conferences, enroll in a certification program, or assume a leadership position in a professional organization. These visible steps help you become that go-to person that others look to for advice.