Managing and being influential without hierarchical power
11 June 2014
Read by 2909 persons
Relational skills are a manager's best asset for asserting their natural authority, including over employees who are not part of their team. They involve adapting to your interlocutor and speaking clearly.
A good manager doesn't need hierarchical power to be influential. Even more than their technical skills, their relational skills will make the difference.
Building trust
Natural authority inspires team confidence. It is also the best way to build effective professional relationships outside of that team. Indeed, word of mouth (favorable or not) is one of a manager's best calling cards. All those who will have to work occasionally or more regularly with this manager will already... have a preconceived notion. If it is favorable, the manager will then have to use all their authority to win.
Developing your charisma
This "natural" authority is something you work on. Like charisma, it results from a consistent and calm attitude.
The better you manage your emotions, the more personally in tune you are with your company's values, the better you will be able to assert your point of view not with authoritarianism but with confidence. Also take the time to listen to your interlocutor's needs and requests. This doesn't mean you agree with them. But by hearing the other side, your argument will be even more impactful.
Develop clear communication
Influential communication is first and foremost clear and controlled communication. Well-presented and argued, it will convince your team or external collaborators of the validity of your project, decision, or position.
It is important to be able to reassess your position if a new element or insight changes the situation. You will then be perceived as a responsible and confident manager. Influence also arises from this balance.
Etre-bien-au-travail.fr
Posted online June 11, 2014.
A good manager doesn't need hierarchical power to be influential. Even more than their technical skills, their relational skills will make the difference.
Building trust
Natural authority inspires team confidence. It is also the best way to build effective professional relationships outside of that team. Indeed, word of mouth (favorable or not) is one of a manager's best calling cards. All those who will have to work occasionally or more regularly with this manager will already... have a preconceived notion. If it is favorable, the manager will then have to use all their authority to win.
Developing your charisma
This "natural" authority is something you work on. Like charisma, it results from a consistent and calm attitude.
The better you manage your emotions, the more personally in tune you are with your company's values, the better you will be able to assert your point of view not with authoritarianism but with confidence. Also take the time to listen to your interlocutor's needs and requests. This doesn't mean you agree with them. But by hearing the other side, your argument will be even more impactful.
Develop clear communication
Influential communication is first and foremost clear and controlled communication. Well-presented and argued, it will convince your team or external collaborators of the validity of your project, decision, or position.
It is important to be able to reassess your position if a new element or insight changes the situation. You will then be perceived as a responsible and confident manager. Influence also arises from this balance.
Etre-bien-au-travail.fr
Posted online June 11, 2014.
