Generating Explosive Influence in High Stakes Conversations

If you and your team were as influential as you wanted to be, what would be possible? What results could you get for your team? Where could you get things done more easily, better, or faster?  How would you and your team be perceived? What will be the impact on your career? 

GENERATING EXPLOSIVE INFLUENCE IS WHAT SETS TOP LEADERS APART FROM THE COMPETITION!!!

I did something today that overwhelmed me tremendously...I googled "Expect Greatness John Hawkins" to better understand my influence and how it has impacted people. I don't share this to brag, rather to give you some data points of reference about the power of explosive influence. I'm not a world famous athlete...or mega social media star...however I have learned how to boost my influence over time. Here are some highlights from the search...

1. I am blessed to have been published in numerous magazines and have done 30+ podcasts.
2. I am humbled that people have purchased the book in over 20 countries through Amazon, iTunes, Audible, Barnes & Noble, GoodReads, Walmart, Kobo, etc.
3. I am honored that numerous companies and executives have grown their teams and their organizations because of direct and intentional interactions with myself
4. I am thankful to have a music video co-produced with Fernando Soto that has over 100,000 views.

So all this led me to today's post about what specifically to do to generate explosive influence in the business world.

Lately, I have been working with execs and leaders who are going into important meetings and not getting the results they are looking for. After sitting in more meetings than I care to count (easily over 3,000 meetings), I want to share specifically about what you need to do before going into any high-stakes conversation so that you can get the results you want.

Here are six powerful tips, of the most successful companies and organizations, to generating explosive influence and results!!!

1. Set a clear goal: Going in with one’s gut instinct instead of a clear goal; setting a fuzzy goal; setting a goal that is too ambitious for one meeting; setting the wrong goal for the situation. All these lead to exhaustion and failure. Set a clear goal before each meeting.
2. Assess the situation: Failing to consider ALL of the reasons, incentives, and factors that can influence the other person in this situation; failing to consider the other person’s motivations.  Too many people go in with their agenda without fully understanding the other person(s) agenda. Be clear on the situational dynamics before you go into it.
3. Choose the right approach: There are always at least THREE strategies that work in different situations, yet most leaders rely on only one.  Think about your options BEFORE you go into your meeting...not during.
4. Structure the approach: Many leaders wing it, without planning out how the conversation might go, the best opening, how to respond to objections, and what to do if presented with new information. Having a structured approach and agenda help to keep you on track and focused.
5. Plan for the worst: Some leaders stay in a meeting that is going poorly, instead of taking a break. If the meeting/ interaction isn't going as expected, be sure to have a plan for what to do if things start going wrong. 
6. Rehearse: Rehearsing a high-stakes conversation with another person, on video, or with a coach (ps...I know this REAAAAALLY good coach who helps his clients get AMAZING results ) can improve results exponentially; failing to rehearse significantly reduces the chances for a positive outcome.

These tips will deliver incredible results from the very first time you use them. They aren't hard to learn, however they do take intentional practice. Put in the work, be direct with your approach, and watch your influence....and your results...take off in ways you never thought possible!!!

Let me know if I can be of assistance to you or your team...you can reach out to me here on Linked In or go to my website to learn more.

Here's to your MASSIVE SUCCESS!!!!

John