As you move forward in your career and step into more senior roles, your ability to influence others becomes a key factor in your success. Influence in leadership isn’t just about having authority—it’s about building trust, inspiring action, and persuading people in a way that encourages collaboration and results. Whether you’re sharing an idea, leading a team, negotiating, or handling a difficult conversation, your ability to influence is what makes things happen.
But let’s be honest—not everyone naturally excels at influencing others. It’s a skill that takes practice, reflection, and a willingness to adapt. Without it, progressing in your career can feel like a struggle. But the good news is that influence is a skill that can be developed, just like any other. This blog will show you why it matters and how you can take some key steps to develop it.
Why Influence Becomes More Important as You Progress
As you climb the leadership ladder, the expectations placed on you evolve. In the early days of your career, strong technical skills and the ability to follow instructions might have been enough. But as a leader, your role shifts—you need to inspire teams, persuade stakeholders, and manage upwards. It’s no longer just about what you do, but how you bring others along with you.
If any of the following challenges resonate with you, you’re not alone:
- Struggling to convince senior leaders of your ideas?
- Finding it difficult to have tough conversations or assert yourself when needed?
- Hesitating in high-pressure meetings for fear of losing your audience?
- Feeling frustrated when team members or peers don’t meet your expectations?
These challenges are common, but they’re not insurmountable. Influence is a skill, and like any skill, it can be developed with the right approach.
What Strong Influence Can Do for You
Mastering influence can transform not just your leadership but your entire professional experience. It’s about having more meaningful conversations, building trust, and establishing credibility in a way that makes people want to listen and act. Here’s how it can help you:
- Confidence and Credibility – Speak with clarity and authority in meetings.
- Stronger Relationships – Build better connections with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
- Handling Difficult Conversations – Navigate disagreements without damaging rapport.
- Leading with Impact – Feel more assured and capable in leadership roles.
- Managing Upwards – Articulate your vision and expectations effectively to senior leaders.
Ken Blanchard put it best: “The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.”
Now that we’ve covered the “why,” let’s explore where you can begin.
Strengthening Your Influence: Key First Steps
Influencing others isn’t about a one-size-fits-all approach. It requires preparation, empathy, and flexibility in how you communicate. Here are a few key areas you can start with:
- Be Clear on Your Goals
Before any conversation, take a moment to clarify what you want to achieve. Are you looking to inspire action, shift someone’s perspective, or gain their support? Having a clear goal keeps you focused and intentional.
Ask yourself:
- What do I want the other person to think, feel, or do after this conversation?
- What’s my top priority in this discussion?
- Understand the Other Person’s Perspective
Effective influence starts with empathy. Consider:
- Their priorities—what matters most to them?
- Common ground—where do your goals align?
- Potential resistance—what concerns or objections might they have?
Taking the time to understand their viewpoint will help you tailor your approach and increase the likelihood of a productive conversation.
- Choose Your Approach Wisely
There are different ways to influence people, and no single method works in every situation. Some of the most effective approaches include:
- Data and logic – Using facts and figures to support your point.
- Collaboration – Involving them in problem-solving to create shared ownership.
- Assertive communication – Being direct and clear while maintaining respect.
The best influencers adapt their approach depending on the situation and the person they’re engaging with.
Ready to Take Your Influence to the Next Level?
These steps will help you build a strong foundation, but real influence comes from developing a strategy that fits your unique leadership challenges. I help leaders refine their approach to influence, communicate with confidence, and navigate tough conversations with greater ease. If you’d like to explore how you can develop your influence, you can find me on the here Business Coach Directory. I’m here to help—just get in touch.
