15 Effective Ways To Gain More Influence In Your Space

Forbes Coaches Council

Kim Svoboda, CEO of Aspiration Catalyst® featured in Forbes

15 Effective Ways To Gain More Influence In Your Space

Even before the age of digital influencers, becoming influential was a major challenge for anyone. Now, in spite of an ever-growing number of online outlets through which authority, credibility and influence can be developed, it’s exceedingly difficult to carve out a space and a name for oneself that will stand out and earn recognition and respect from the masses.

Here are a few ways to gain more influence: 

Ask Great Questions And Listen Deeply

“Want to become more influential? Having influence is about finding solutions, being credible and doing what you say you will do. Instead of worrying about what to say, start by asking great questions and listening deeply. When you understand what the other person wants, get creative; how could you find a way to help the person get what they want while getting what you want at the same time?” - Kimberly Svoboda, Aspiration Catalyst

Be Physically Present And Share Observations

“We want to be where influencers are, see what they see and do what they do. To be an influencer, be physically present with others, share what you observe with them and demonstrate alternative responses to what they’re currently doing. My clients tend to focus on the middle by sharing opinions rather than observations, while undervaluing being present and demonstrative. Focus on others.” - Theodore May

Develop Self-Awareness And Empathy

“Influence isn’t a function of what you say or even what you do. It’s a matter of how you make people feel. In the long run, improving influence means developing greater self-awareness, heightened empathy and high levels of emotional intelligence. People don’t care about how smart you are or how much you know—but what you accomplish and what that means to them says it all.” - Philip Liebman

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What To Do When Your Workplace Culture Doesn’t Align With Your Authentic Self

Forbes Coaches Council

Kim Svoboda, CEO of Aspiration Catalyst® featured in Forbes

Workplace Culture Doesn’t Align with Your Authentic Self?  14 Tips

In a professional setting, being your most authentic self can help you forge open and honest working relationships, as demonstrating authenticity and transparency helps one come across as genuine and trustworthy. However, there are times when you may feel compelled to conform to cultural or organizational norms in your workplace that don’t align with your own personal values or morals.

Here are valuable tips on what to do about it: 

Evaluate the Gap Between Your Work Culture And Authentic Self

“Is it manageable? If it is, then find the alignment between who you are and the cultural or organizational norms and explore ways to increase that synergy. Where is the misalignment, and what is within your power to lessen the chasm? Are there allies who could help you navigate the challenges? Solicit their help. If the gap is too big, it might be time to find a new employer”. - Kimberly Svoboda, Aspiration Catalyst

Assess Next Steps To Find Greater Freedom Of Choice

The ideal solution is to choose to work for companies that allow you to show up as your authentic self. The reality is different, however, as many opt to work for a company, at least in the short term, in order to support their families. In these situations, assessing next steps—determining what kind of training would give you greater freedom of choice, figuring out what you can influence or what is under your control and so on—becomes critical. - Elizabeth S.

Consider How You Hold Yourself In Relation To Others

What is genuine or authentic for us changes as we grow. When arriving at a meeting, how do you choose to show up? Rushed and angry, upbeat and collaborative or open and present? Authentic self-expression is projected by how we hold ourselves in relation to others. Bringing forth our authentic selves in ways that contribute to company performance creates standout leaders with unique capabilities. - Jessica H.

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