You're facing power dynamics at work. How can you build influence within your organization?

Understanding the power dynamics in an organization is key. In my career, I’ve found that the most influential people are those who are great at building relationships and have the ear of senior leaders. These leaders often listen to them. Find that person and genuinely show them you value and respect them—this helps overcome any power struggles. Humility is crucial; don’t get drawn into power games. Focus on building your competence and keeping your word. Let others compete for power while you breeze through by staying out of the fray.

Power is widely misunderstood. It is mostly thought of in the context of position. Positional power is necessary and squandered by leaders who never focused on serving others. Power is simply defined as - “the capacity to take action”. This is the essence of personal power. Positional power has institutional capacity for action. It doesn’t mean effective action is happening! Personal power is something WE can develop! We can grow our capacity! We are less powerful when… We are disorganized, poor planners. We don’t invest in relationships and networks of help in our communities or at work. We don’t exercise our bodies or eat well. What things do you do daily/overtime that saps your capacity to take action? Focus on things that build it.

Understanding power within a team and organization is crucial for making a positive impact. Recognize that success lies in focusing on the needs and goals of your colleagues. Identify influential individuals and develop relationships with them, as their support can facilitate implementing ideas and initiatives. Be reasonable in your requests and avoid forcing relationships; let them develop naturally. Show empathy and understanding for your colleagues' challenges to build trust. Engage in important projects, show initiative, and be ready to take responsibility. Support and include the team in the process of change by asking for their opinions and involving them in decision-making.

There is external power, the one you access through an external circumstance, be it a situation or a person; and there is internal power - the one you internally build. Some sources of external power are recognition, people validation, events running according to expected, ... etc. While it is rewarding to have this external source, it can not be our only one. We must be able to move despite our circumstances being favorable. And this is where strength, resilience, and legacy are built. Personal power is one of the major skills we need to master if we really desire to make an impact.

From personal experience, the best way to build an influence within the company that you're at is to be consistent in the quality of your work. Set the quality bar high for yourself, constantly improve and shoot for bigger goals, while keeping your work consistent and efficient. And lastly of course the more exposure you can get within the organization the easier it gets.

When I joined a new team, I made an effort to connect with each member individually. By offering support and showing interest in their challenges, I built a network of trusted colleagues. This network proved invaluable when we needed to collaborate on urgent projects, demonstrating the power of positive relationships.

From my experience, I’ve found that taking the time to understand and appreciate the unique contributions of each team member can make a huge difference. For instance, I once worked on a project where I made it a point to regularly check in with colleagues from different departments. Not only did this help me gain valuable insights into their challenges and successes, but it also built a sense of friendship and mutual respect. This network of positive relationships proved invaluable when it came time to rally support for new ideas and initiatives. So, don’t underestimate the power of a friendly chat or a helping hand—it can pave the way for greater influence and collaboration. ??????

You can make influence by simply being reliable and consistent. In order to demonstrate value is not claim you're excellence at your work (never was, never will). It is come from simple thing like: get it done on time, get thing done with high quality and show collaborative spirit to your colleagues.

I once led a project that significantly improved an internal process. By ensuring the results were visible to both my team and management, I showcased the value of my contributions. This visibility helped build my reputation as a reliable and impactful team member, increasing my influence within the organization.

Understanding what makes you stand out amidst your environment. Maximize your strength and make meaningful impact to others. Do it consistently and you will catch their notice and attention. Soon you become a reference and am authority. This is now influence growing on you.

I build influence by delivering high-quality work that drives impact. I align my contributions with the organization's goals, ensuring my value is visible. I showcase my unique skills, sharing expertise and insights that benefit the team. By consistently delivering results, I earn trust and credibility. I'm proactive, seeking opportunities to collaborate and innovate. My work speaks for itself, demonstrating my dedication to excellence. I lead by example, inspiring others to strive for similar standards. Through my contributions, I build a reputation as a trusted and influential professional

From my experience, taking on challenging projects and delivering results not only highlights your skills but also builds trust with your team. For example, I once led a project that required innovative solutions and tight deadlines. By staying focused and delivering quality work, I gained recognition and more opportunities to influence key decisions. So, always aim to demonstrate your value through your actions. ??????

Communication is a key game changer. You need to learn the art of effective communication and embed it in your personality. Effective communication draws people because they are confident they you will tell what exactly needs to be told and with the right intent and impact. No one wants to water time, so effective communication helps you catch up.

During a critical meeting, I facilitated a session where everyone could voice their opinions. By actively listening and then presenting a consolidated plan that addressed key points, I was able to build consensus and move the team forward. This experience highlighted the importance of strong communication skills in building influence.

To build influence at work, I focus on empathetic and adaptive communication. I tailor my approach to my audience, listen actively, and address their needs. By doing so, I establish trust and credibility. I share my expertise in a clear and concise manner, making sure my message is relevant and valuable. I believe influence is about building a shared understanding, not manipulating others. By communicating effectively and authentically, I build strong relationships and foster a collaborative environment where my voice is heard and valued

From my experience, clear and empathetic communication can transform team dynamics. For instance, during a complex project, I made it a point to actively listen to my team’s concerns and adapt my communication style to address their needs. This not only built trust but also fostered a collaborative environment where everyone felt heard and valued. So, always strive to communicate effectively to enhance your influence. ??????

Apply your personal and professional experience to key challenges holding back your organization. By contributing to high-impact projects across departments, more opportunities will be had to develop stronger relationships with teammates. Mentoring junior colleagues will help in two ways, leveling up your organization and expanding your influence network. By consistently demonstrating the value of your own unique experiences, you'll naturally gain recognition from your team and key decision-makers.

From my experience, becoming a go-to expert can open many doors. For example, I once took the initiative to lead a series of training sessions on a new software tool. This not only helped my colleagues but also positioned me as a knowledgeable resource within the team. As a result, my suggestions were more readily accepted, and I had a greater impact on project decisions. So, keep honing your expertise and sharing it with others to amplify your influence. ??????

Be proactive is one of the keys because it demonstrates initiative and foresight, helping you anticipate needs and address challenges before they arise. Proactively spot areas for optimization and propose solutions. Continuously seek new knowledge and share insights. Actively connect and collaborate with colleagues at all levels. Initiate clear and concise communication, and listen. Take the lead on projects and set a positive example. Highlight your proactive contributions and successes.

Para generar influencia dentro de tu organización ante dinámicas de poder, sigue estos pasos: Construye relaciones genuinas con tus colegas basadas en la confianza y el respeto. La competencia profesional te dará credibilidad y autoridad, así que destaca en lo que haces. Comunica de manera clara y efectiva, escuchando activamente y valorando las opiniones ajenas. Sé un ejemplo a seguir, actuando con integridad y coherencia. Involúcrate en proyectos importantes y demuestra tu compromiso con los objetivos de la organización. Propón soluciones innovadoras y sé proactivo en la identificación de problemas. Apoya y empodera a tus compa?eros, ayudándolos a alcanzar sus metas. Este apoyo fortalecerá tu red de influencia.