As we move into the year with ambitious goals, one question resonates with many professionals: How can I influence leadership and create meaningful change within my organization? Whether you're a team member striving to be heard or an executive seeking to make an impact, learning to "lead up" is a powerful skill.
At Rise Up For You, we work daily with leaders and organizations worldwide, enhancing company culture, boosting leadership effectiveness, and driving workplace performance. One recurring challenge we encounter is the struggle to influence those in positions of authority. But here’s the good news: Influence is not confined to titles or roles. It’s a skill that anyone can develop and use to lead upward effectively.
Let’s explore five steps to influence leadership and lead up successfully.
Understanding Personal Power
Before diving into the strategies, it’s essential to recognize the concept of personal power. While positional power comes from a role or title, personal power is cultivated through trust, respect, and relationships. It’s what allows you to influence leaders, create change, and move up the career ladder.
Influencing leadership is not about authority; it’s about impact. When you understand and harness your personal power, you can shape the direction of your workplace and create positive outcomes.
Five Steps to Influence Leadership
1. Study Your Leader
The foundation of influencing leadership is understanding the person you’re trying to influence. Take time to observe your leader’s values, preferences, and communication style. For instance, do they prioritize ROI and performance, or do they value team loyalty and commitment?
Once you understand what matters most to them, tailor your approach to align with their priorities. For example, instead of requesting a raise based on tenure, present measurable results that demonstrate your value to the organization. By speaking their language, you significantly increase your chances of being heard.
2. Always Present Solutions
Leaders are problem-solvers by nature, but they don’t want to be burdened with every challenge. When presenting an issue, ensure you also come with potential solutions. This demonstrates initiative and positions you as someone who thinks critically and takes ownership.
For example, if your department is overwhelmed with tasks, don’t simply report the problem. Instead, suggest actionable strategies, such as delegating tasks differently or hiring additional support. Solutions-based communication is a hallmark of those who influence effectively.
3. Lead With Honor
Even if you don’t always agree with your leader’s decisions or leadership style, showing respect and honor is essential. Approach difficult conversations with gratitude and loyalty, emphasizing your support for the organization’s goals.
For example, if you need to address a sensitive issue, start by acknowledging the leader’s authority and expressing your commitment to their vision. Then, provide constructive feedback framed around the betterment of the team or company. Respectful communication builds trust and fosters collaboration.
4. Be Honest and Transparent
One of the most valuable traits you can offer as a team member is honesty. Leaders often struggle to receive truthful feedback because team members fear negative repercussions. However, transparency—delivered with emotional intelligence—can set you apart.
When providing feedback, use “I” statements and focus on the broader impact rather than personal grievances. For instance, instead of criticizing a specific decision, explain how an alternative approach could benefit the team or organization. Leaders who value growth will appreciate your courage and insight.
5. Align Your Motives with the Greater Good
Before attempting to influence leadership, reflect on your intentions. Are you advocating for personal gain, or are you working toward the organization’s success? Leaders can quickly discern whether your motives are self-serving or altruistic.
For example, if you propose a new process or initiative, emphasize how it will improve team efficiency, customer satisfaction, or overall results. When your motives align with the company’s goals, your suggestions are more likely to gain traction.
Why Influencing Leadership Matters
Influencing leadership isn’t just about creating change—it’s about demonstrating your value and positioning yourself as a trusted partner in achieving organizational goals. By leading up, you can open doors to new opportunities, build stronger relationships with decision-makers, and contribute meaningfully to your workplace.
Taking the First Step
Influencing leadership requires intentionality, patience, and persistence. Start by reflecting on the five steps outlined above. Which one do you need to focus on most? Perhaps it’s improving how you present solutions, or maybe you need to work on understanding your leader’s values. Choose one area to strengthen this week, and commit to making progress.
At Rise Up For You, we’ve seen how these strategies transform careers and organizations. Whether it’s helping a professional climb the career ladder or guiding a team to greater collaboration, the power of influence cannot be overstated.
Ready to take your influence to the next level? Visit riseupforyou.com to explore coaching programs, workshops, and resources tailored to help you lead up and achieve your professional goals.
Your success is our success—and it all starts with a single step toward influencing leadership.
Comments