Influence: Why You Need It and How to Build It

If I had to pick one skill that's becoming more valuable every year, it would be influence.

Not because we're all trying to become influencers (have you hit that follow button?) but because the way we work has changed.

We're leading people we've never met in person.
Working across teams without direct authority.
Collaborating with clients, freelancers and AI.

Trying to get buy-in from people who have a hundred competing priorities.

The old model of "because I'm the boss" is disappearing.

Influence is becoming the currency of modern work.

In a world where AI can generate ideas in seconds, where organisations are flatter and careers less predictable, I think this skill is only going to become more valuable.

So what actually is it?

For me, influence is simply your ability to help people think differently, feel confident enough to act or move something forward.

It's less about persuasion and much more about trust.

People are influenced by people they believe.

Not necessarily the loudest person.
Not the most senior.
Often not even the smartest.

The people who consistently have influence are the ones who are credible, generous, calm, curious and reliable.

Which is good news because none of those qualities depends on personality.  They're habits. And habits can be learned.

So if you want to grow your influence, I'd start here.

• Be interested before trying to be interesting.

• Listen for what's really going on, not just what's being said.

• Become known for something. Expertise is magnetic.

• Explain ideas simply. Clarity is underrated.

• Say you'll do something...then actually do it.

• Help other people succeed. Influence grows when people trust your intentions.

• And perhaps most importantly, have the courage to speak up when it matters. You don't need to be the loudest voice in the room, but you do need to use your voice.

So here's my question:

When people leave a meeting with you, what do they leave with?

More confusion?

Or more clarity, confidence and commitment?

Were you a good meeting in their day?

Will they talk about you or the ideas you shared later?

Yes?  

That's influence.

Take care

Tracy