Do you sometimes question the amount of authority you successfully exert over your employees? Do you ever think you're not as commanding and effective as you'd like to be? If so, you're not alone--many other entrepreneurs share similar concerns and would like to be able to increase their influence over their employees.
My experience shows that business owners who master the use of influence are significantly more successful than those who don't. These masters of influence inspire people to do what they want them to do; they motivate their staff toward increased productivity, profitability and achievement without incurring the typical cost of organizational repair and maintenance.
Then sit down and figure out just how you can transform those tasks into a series of concrete, achievable steps. Next, identify the tools, or resources, you already possess as an influential or potentially influential leader. These resources are the factors that assist you in expressing influence. And don't think you don't have any! Whether due to modesty, lack of awareness or just plain ignorance, many of you probably don't use or are even aware of the internal tools at your disposal. In other cases, you may need to borrow tools from external sources to increase your influence.
Not sure what tools you have at your disposal? Here a few examples: Intelligence Good judgment Creativity Knowledge Skills Assertiveness Interpersonal network Budget Equipment Past successes Reputation Expertise Job position Charisma Leadership ability Of course, no one has all these tools. But clearly, the more resources you have and the more you can amass from others, the more influential you'll become.
The strategic question now becomes: With your specific, measurable and attainable goals determined and with your key tools in place, how can you positively influence your employees so they're working to their full capacity? The answer is, by learning specific influencing techniques. We all know how to yell, scream, rant and rave, but those mechanisms are rarely effective when it comes to exerting influence.
Oh, they can impact others--but the impact is usually short lived and most often negative. And negative influence often encourages retribution, resistance and decreased quality on the part of the person who was negatively influenced. Recent research shows that the following seven methods are the most effective techniques when it comes to influencing others:
1. Rapport. This technique involves creating relationships by expressing your feelings and identifying those feelings in others. So ask your employees how they feel, how their work is progressing, what they feel are obstacles to their success, how they feel about the work and the workload they have. Then be honest and tell them how you feel about them and their work style and their productivity. Sharing this type of information lets others know exactly "what the score is" and often leads to improved openness and productivity. Employees will appreciate your efforts and concerns about them and their work.
