In last month’s column, we provided background on what the term “Influence” really means. This month we will explore what you need to do to lay the foundation to become an effective influencer.
Building a solid base of support and becoming known as dependable supporter are key to establishing you as an influencer. A big part of becoming an influencer is dependent on factors about you personally, such as your knowledge, experience, integrity and credibility... in other words, your overall reputation. While your day-to-day actions and track record contribute to your reputation, becoming an influencer hinges on one really important trait… your ability to really listen and actually hear what people are saying. Coupling all of these traits and skillsets together leads to becoming highly respected and trusted by your enterprise’s leadership, as well as your peers and subordinates. In a future column we will discuss converting what you hear into actions that affect whether you are perceived as an ally, threat or viewed as irrelevant.