Mentoring Moment: The Path to Influence

How Do You Influence Business Decisions in the Room?

True influence isn’t about being heard—it’s about shaping outcomes. The most effective voices don’t just speak; they drive decisions that create impact.

Great mentors don’t just share knowledge—they influence individuals and business outcomes by leveraging their experiences. Understanding your influence in the room—and how to grow it—is critical to career success.

But influence isn’t about charging in with bold ideas. It comes from understanding the game—playing it, respecting it, and only then, earning the right to change it.

Every mentor’s voice starts small—a whisper, a quiet nudge. But over time, it grows—becoming stronger, more intentional, and more influential. True impact isn’t about volume; it’s about mastering the journey: Learn the Game. Play the Game. Respect the Game. Change the Game.

Too often, I see teammates eager to rewrite the rules before they’ve even stepped onto the court—wanting to lead before they’ve learned, innovate before they’ve executed. But influence isn’t about skipping steps; it’s about mastering them.

1. Learn the Game

“Every master was once a student who refused to stop learning.”

Before you can lead, you must learn. The best mentors invest time in mastering their craft, understanding their industry, and honing their skills. Influence starts with knowledge, preparation, and disciplined training—because a well-trained mind is the foundation for productivity and efficiency.

? Instead of: “I want to lead now.”

?? Ask: “Have I truly mastered the fundamentals?”

2. Play the Game

“Experience is the teacher that never stops testing.”

Learning is essential, but nothing beats experience. Showing up, putting in the work, and refining your skills through real-world application builds credibility. A mentor’s influence comes from a proven track record, consistency, and tangible success.

? Instead of: “I have ideas for how this should work.”

?? Ask: “Have I delivered results that earn respect?”

3. Respect the Game

“True greatness is built on a foundation of respect—lifting others as you rise.”

Great mentors don’t just lead individuals; they influence the collective. They understand the importance of history, culture, and teamwork. Respecting the game means recognizing that success is never a solo act—it’s built on relationships, shared goals, and the ability to bring out the best in others.

? Instead of: “I know the best way.”

?? Ask: "How can I create opportunities for others to succeed?"

4. Change the Game

“The true measure of leadership is not what you achieve, but what endures beyond you.”

Once you’ve learned, played, and respected the game, only then can you change it. True influence isn’t about personal gain; it’s about shaping the future. Whether through mentorship, leadership, or innovation, the most impactful mentors shift the rules, redefine the playing field, and empower the next generation.

? Instead of: “I want to make big changes now.”

?? Ask: “How will my work create a lasting impact?”

Mentors Model the Path to Influence

The journey from whisper to torchbearer isn’t about shortcuts—it’s about showing up, earning credibility, and leading with integrity. If you want to influence the room, start by learning, playing, respecting, and then, finally, changing the game.

?? Your Turn: Who’s a mentor that helped you find your voice in the room? How did they influence the way you lead? Share your thoughts in the comments!