Have you ever wondered why some people seem to effortlessly rise through the ranks, while others, despite their skills and qualifications, struggle to gain traction? The secret often lies in their ability to build influence.
It's not just about being smart or talented. It's about how you connect with people, how consistent you are in your actions, how well you collaborate with others, and how effectively you capitalize on your relationships.
- Consideration: Ever heard the golden rule? "Treat others as you would like to be treated." This is the essence of consideration. It's about putting yourself in someone else's shoes, understanding their perspective, and responding empathetically. When you show genuine concern for others, you build trust and rapport. This means actively listening to others, valuing their opinions, and being mindful of their feelings. By taking the time to understand their needs and concerns, you can build stronger, more meaningful relationships.
- Consistency: Actions speak louder than words. Being consistent means following through on your commitments, delivering on your promises, and maintaining a high standard of work. It's about reliability. People are more likely to trust and respect someone who is consistent in their behavior. Consistency also helps you build credibility and authority. When you consistently deliver quality work, you earn the respect of your peers and superiors.
- Collaboration: Great things happen when people work together. Collaboration involves sharing ideas, seeking input, and finding common ground. It's about building strong relationships based on mutual respect and trust. By working together, we can achieve more than we could ever do alone.
- Control: The final C is about taking action. Once you've built strong relationships and established yourself as a reliable and collaborative team player, it's time to leverage that social capital. This means asking for what you want, taking initiative, and seizing opportunities. The first 3 Cs, consideration, consistency and collaboration are like you the way you invest or saving money in your bank account. Then control is when you start consuming your investment.
By mastering these four Cs, you can build a powerful network of relationships that will propel your career forward. Remember, influence isn't about manipulation or coercion.
