How to Apply Influence Principles

I was Wrong about Influence. Early in my career, I believed influence in a decision-making meeting was the direct outcome of a strong artifact presented and the ensuing discussion. However, with more leadership experience, I have come to realize that while these are important, there is something far more important at play. Influence, for a given decision, largely happens outside of and before decision-making meetings. Here's my 3 step approach you can follow to maximize your influence: (#3 is often missed yet most important) 1. Obsess over Knowing your Audience Why: Understanding your audience in-depth allows you to tailor your communication, approach and positioning. How: ↳ Research their backgrounds, how they think, what their goals are etc. ↳ Attend other meetings where they are present to learn about their priorities, how they think and what questions they ask. Take note of the topics that energize them or cause concern. ↳ Engage with others who frequently interact with them to gain additional insights. Ask about their preferences, hot buttons, and any subtle cues that could be useful in understanding their perspective. 2. Tailor your Communication Why: This ensures that your message is not just heard but also understood and valued. How: ↳ Seek inspiration from existing artifacts and pickup queues on terminologies, context and background on the give topic. ↳ Reflect on their goals and priorities, and integrate these elements into your communication. For instance, if they prioritize efficiency, highlight how your proposal enhances productivity. ↳Ask yourself "So what?" or "Why should they care" as a litmus test for relatability of your proposal. 3. Pre-socialize for support Why: It allows you to refine your approach, address potential objections, and build a coalition of support (ahead of and during the meeting). How: ↳ Schedule informal discussions or small group meetings with key stakeholders or their team members to discuss your idea(s). A casual coffee or a brief virtual call can be effective. Lead with curiosity vs. an intent to respond. ↳ Ask targeted questions to gather feedback and gauge reactions to your ideas. Examples: What are your initial thoughts on this draft proposal? What challenges do you foresee with this approach? How does this align with our current priorities? ↳ Acknowledge, incorporate and highlight the insights from these pre-meetings into the main meeting, treating them as an integral part of the decision-making process. What would you add? PS: BONUS - Following these steps also expands your understanding of the business and your internal network - both of which make you more effective. --- Follow me, tap the (🔔) Omar Halabieh for daily Leadership and Career posts.

Influence isn’t just a skill, it’s your hidden superpower. One of the many things they don't teach in school, but is vital to your success and career growth. And contrary to popular belief, it isn’t about authority... it’s about connection and clarity. Here’s how to unlock the power of influence in your career: 1️⃣ Speak the language of your stakeholders 🔑  HOW to do this:  ✅ Understand their priorities Before presenting a proposal, research what matters most to the stakeholder and focus on that ✅ Adapt your communication style If they prefer data, prepare charts and metrics. If they’re visionaries, focus on storytelling and big-picture outcomes ✅ Use their terminology Mirror their phrasing and vocabulary to build rapport and ensure alignment 2️⃣ Back your recommendations with data and stories 🔑  HOW to do this:  ✅ Start with the data Use hard metrics to build credibility (survey results, performance benchmarks, or financial projections) ✅ Follow up with a story Use real-world examples to make the data relatable and memorable ✅ Use visuals Present data with clear, engaging visuals like graphs, infographics, or dashboards to simplify complex insights 3️⃣ Build coalitions by aligning interests across teams 🔑  HOW to do this:  ✅ Identify shared goals Start by understanding what each team values and find the overlap (ex: marketing and sales both want to increase lead conversions) ✅ Facilitate collaboration Host cross-functional meetings to encourage dialogue and brainstorm solutions together ✅ Highlight mutual benefits Show how each team’s contributions drive broader company success Start taking these steps today and transform "influence" from a buzzword to your biggest asset. Agree? Disagree? Let me know in the comments!

Influencing without authority is not about being charming. Many people believe influence comes from charisma or clever arguments. But at work, influence without authority is a skill. Here’s where we often stumble: (1) We think it’s about control. Influence isn’t forcing our agenda; it’s aligning our goals with others’. (2) We rely too much on logic. Data matters, but people act on emotions. If our idea doesn’t resonate, it won’t stick. (3) We neglect relationships. Even the best ideas fall flat if trust isn’t there. So, how can we get it right? (a) Lead with curiosity. Ask questions like, “What’s most important to you?” Show genuine interest in others’ priorities before sharing your own. (b) Frame it their way. Tailor your message to what they value—efficiency, collaboration, innovation—so they see how it benefits them. (c) Invest in trust. Influence isn’t built in a day. Your daily actions—being reliable, fair, and engaged—create the foundation for lasting impact. Influence isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about connecting better. Focus on shared goals and relationships, and you’ll find people not just willing to listen but eager to support. #influence #leading #leadership #relationships #work #connection #learning #growth #trust