As a leader, how do you get everyone pulling in the same direction?
How do you motivate your team and inspire them to work hard and achieve great things?
Some managers use coercion or control to get things done, and while this might get your team to do what you want, they won’t be doing it with any enthusiasm and they won’t be invested in the outcome.
A far better way to rally your team behind you and the wider business goals is to focus on building trust using the art of influence and persuasion.
Influence is not about wielding power over your team, it’s about being able to have a positive impact on behaviours, choices, and ways of working that will result in business success.
Here’s how to persuade and influence people.
Be credible
A credible leader is an influential leader. You can’t expect your team to do things if you don’t do them yourself, and you can’t expect people to consider you a credible leader if you never do what you say you’re going to do, and meet any objections with ‘Do it because I said so!’
As a leader, you have to set an example for your team, follow through on decisions, and be able to clearly communicate to your team why you have decided on a particular course of action.
Listen to people
Yes, you’re busy, but listening to people is so important. I mean really listening, without thinking about what you’re going to say next, or talking over someone. Listening is an important part of good communication, and good communication builds trust.
Who do you think would be more able to persuade and influence people- a leader who talks over people constantly and makes them feel like they are not being listened to, or one who listens, asks questions to show they understand, and gives a thoughtful and honest response?
Give praise where it’s due
This might seem like a small thing, but thanking people or praising them for a job well done, even if what they’ve done is a normal part of their role makes them feel valued and they’ll work harder for you. Not only that, making someone feel valued increases feelings of trust and positivity in the workplace and it will put you in a far better position to be able to influence and persuade your team.
Build trust
Trust is a cornerstone of leadership. It’s impossible to build good relationships with your team if there is no trust, and if there’s no trust, there’s not going to be much of a chance of you being able to influence and persuade people either.
Work on creating an environment where people want to come every day, where they are not afraid to make mistakes, where they feel valued and able to share their thoughts and ideas, and where honest and open communication is the rule, not the exception.
Be confident
A confident leader is a persuasive and influential leader. If you can demonstrate decisiveness, a willingness to pivot when things don’t work out the way you’d hoped, and a belief in your vision, your are more likely to be able to inspire people to get behind you and do their best for the business.
Do you want to take things from good to great in your business?
Do you have some ideas on how you want to take the business forward, but have no clue about where to start?
Could honing your leadership skills be the answer?
I can help.
I can help you identify what’s needed for you, your team, and the business to truly flourish.
My bespoke packages of reviews, training, workshops, and support will help you learn how to build and develop the well supported, engaged, and energised teams that will supercharge your business performance and profitability.
You might feel nervous at the thought of investing in anything right now, but think of my help, guidance, and support as being a way to reduce your expenses and save money in the slightly longer term.
Let me help you transform your team and the business.
Get in touch for a chat about exactly what’s possible.
