Do you want to have more influence but the team doesn't take you too seriously?

If you, as a team manager, are receptive and attentive, others understand you genuinely care about their values as well as your own. The power of empathy allows you to gain support, creating space for connection, understanding and trust. This is an excellent foundation for strengthening your ability as a leader to influence other people.

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Here are four key skills to increase your level of influence.

Transparency

Be open and honest; give people space to ask questions and express concerns, and respond to them transparently. Staying 100% honest, even if the news is bad, is difficult but not impossible. If a question is asked that you are unprepared for, say you want to ensure you have all the information before replying. At the same time, be sure to let the other side know when you will reply.

Respond positively and openly and you will achieve a team dedicated to you and your goals. If problems arise, your ability to communicate with empathy will guide the rest of the team.

Loyalty promotion

People's loyalty can be achieved by motivating and improving their lives and working conditions. Seek positive examples of their successes and talk to them. Understand that your own success also lies in the quality of the people you help move ahead in the company. If someone on your team stands out, give them recognition.

Lead by example

Be confident and focus on the ultimate goal. A leader paralysed by self-doubt or discouraged by failures sets a nervous tone in the team and can contribute to chaos. If a problem arises (often only in your head), maintain a persistent and positive attitude. This is crucial: you choose the approach and the team will reflect this behaviour. Transforming barriers into unprecedented opportunities will create collective peace.

Beware of perfectionism

Maximum attention to detail and flawlessness may contribute to your own success but it can also cause anxiety in the team. Perfectionism is self-destructive simply because nothing is perfect. Perfection is an unattainable goal. Transferring your expectations of perfection to a team will deprive the group of morale. Focus on what works and what you can control.

 

The ability to influence others is one of the most important qualities a leader can have. By not underestimating this skill, but rather cultivating it, you will be well on your way to becoming a leader who connects people with a common goal and inspires others to do things well.

 

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Article source Forbes.com - prestigious American business magazine and website
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