Influential Managers - how do they do it?

Influential managers seem to get things done.

They have the ability to lead people and organisations into new territory. They are able to change behaviours and direct energy at the right time and the right place.

Influential managers are much more likely to achieve the results they want both for themselves and for their companies. Some managers are born with a winning way. They are recognised for their influence from a young age. Maybe they have been ‘influential’ always.  The good news for those managers who aren’t so blessed is that there are things you can do to increase your influence, and thus increase your effectiveness.

Self-Assessment
Take a good look at your management style and skills. In fact, it may be better, albeit more painful, to get someone else to assess your strengths and weaknesses. Some questions you might like to ask yourself are:

• Where does my power come from?
• How does my staff view my leadership style?
• What is my management style?
• How do I control my human resources?
• Am I known as an effective decision maker and problem solver?
• How do I persuade people?

What makes an influential manager?
So, you’ve done your self-assessment. Hopefully you have a good idea of your influencing skills and behaviours, and possibly some of your weaknesses.

Now it’s time to observe some of the features and traits of highly influential managers, and start thinking about which ones you could benefit from learning. Influence works in many different ways - it’s a science in itself.

There are many firms in the market place eager to train managers in influencing techniques and skills - all with the aim of helping more people say ‘yes’ to you.

Highly influential managers usually possess a blend of the following attributes:

• Persuasive - Either overtly or covertly, influential managers are able to communicate what they want, and ‘sell’ it;
• Track record - People will do what you say if you’ve done well in the past;
• Problem solver - Your problem solving ability will gain you respect and thus increase your influence;
• Intuitive - If you can pick up on what people want, you are more able to motivate and lead them.

Change yourself
With a clearer idea of the attributes of influential people, its time to start making the changes to your own self. Obviously, this is not something you can do overnight. Influential people are often born with it, so it follows that it will take some work for the rest of us. So what can you do?

• Do a course. There are literally hundreds of courses available in the art of influencing. Choose one carefully, as many of them are sales rather than management oriented.
• Build relationships. It almost goes without saying, but managers who form close bonds with their staff are far more able to influence them positively. They will understand what makes people `tick’- this is the first step in being able to influence them.
• Learn the gentle art of persuasion. A quick search of the internet will open the door to a whole field of learning in this area. There are also many books on the topic. The unfortunately titled but very famous `How to Win Friends and Influence People’ is a surprisingly wise and practical resource.
• Think strategically. Increasing managerial influence is not another managerial `must have’ or fad. To build your skills in influencing could take a lifetime of personal change.