Influence Hot Tips!

I regularly get told by women clients that they’re not being listened to and have little or no influence in their organisation. My first question of course is, “How do you do that?” Doesn’t make me the most popular coach on the block but, hey, if my clients wanted milk sop they’d go elsewhere.

And reality is that not getting listened to so you’re not influential is as much an art as being listened to and being influential, i.e., people taking notice of what you say and acting upon it.

Now, without working with you I can’t know the personal ‘stuff’ you bring to that particular issue. However, if you want to be a listened to influencer here’s my 5 guaranteed to work hot tips...

#1 Mind your own business and let other people mind theirs. Focus on and excel in your own area of responsibility before offering copious input to others. Then you’ll be somebody worth listening to.

#2 Keep a clean mouth. Who’d listen or take much notice of someone who gossips about, undermines or sycophantasises others? Beware the water cooler!

#3 Don’t caste your pearls before swine. If you have valuable things to say, say them to the people who’ll value them. Gradually, you’ll get known for the quality of your input and be sought out and after.

#4 Cultivate curiosity about and pleasure in getting to know other people. When others feel genuinely in rapport with you they’ll be more than willing to listen and consider your thoughts. This is one you definitely can’t ‘fake it until you make it’!

#5 Generate buzz. Whatever the challenges in your work situation, approach everything with enthusiasm and curiosity for what you might learn. Be a ‘can-do and does’ kind of person with inspirational & motivational energy.

And then tell me nobody in your organisation takes notice of anything you say!