6 Steps to Influence Without Authority – Virtually & In-Person
by Amy Glass | Jan 25, 2021| Influence
Influencing without authority is a skill that can be applied at all organizational levels. Nearly everyone has a stake in developing new initiatives, projects, and processes, as explained in this article from Harvard Business School.
It can be a challenge to get everyone onboard and aligned with your priorities, even in-person. The challenge of virtual workspaces makes it even harder.
How can you influence without authority with limited in-person communication?
Whether you are working virtually or in-person, the foundation of influence rests on these Three C’s of Influence: Clarity about your goals and what’s important to the people you are influencing; Connection through finding commonalities, showing empathy, and taking perspective; and Communication strategies that create alignment.
Now you know what you need to influence others, but how do you do it?
6 Steps to Influence Without Authority
Answering the 6 questions below will help you develop your strategy to clarify, connect, and communicate to influence without authority.
- Who needs to be influenced? Determine who must be on board to achieve your objectives.
- What’s happening in their world? What do you know about their world already? How can you learn more? What questions can you ask to gain insight into the people you want to influence?
- Who are your allies/resistors? In other words, who will support your objectives in communicating with those you need to influence? How can you leverage their support? Who might create resistance to your objectives? What can you do to mitigate their resistance?
- What questions can you ask to move them? Ask questions that clarify goals, challenges, and motivations.
- What key points need to be presented? Perspective taking is essential in presenting your key points. Organize your message in a way that aligns with the priorities of those you are influencing.
- How will you tell your story well? Use relevant examples and anecdotes that appeal to both heart (emotions) and head (logic).
As with all new skills, applying these strategies requires planning and practice. If you and your team would like to develop your influence skills, check out BRODYpro’s “Influence without Authority” training.