4 minute read
The Intentional Leader
WITH ANNIE FRISOLI, CFEE
KNOWING YOUR OWN INFLUENCE POTENTIAL
As we are all still coming down from the excitement of our time together at the 65th Annual IFEA Convention in McAllen, Texas this past September, I thought I would reflect a bit more on one of the topics that I had a GREAT time presenting on with all the beautiful IFEA humans!!
Being intentional leaders, we have heard the phrase…with great power, comes great responsibility. Well, the same is true of influence. Shockingly, though, it can be difficult for most people to discover and comprehend just how much influence potential they have in their workplace, at home, or even in a room full of strangers.
Understanding our influence potential, though, is one of the best things we can do as leaders. Why? It allows us to grasp - and respect - the ability we have to impact others at work. And this impact shouldn’t be taken for granted! As leaders, we have an opportunity to shape and influence the way our employees and colleagues contribute to their projects and initiatives, and even connect with each other. While this might sound ideal for anyone looking to lead their teams to success, it’s important to remember that you have the power to both influence positively and negatively.
What really counts when it comes to influence is adaptability, and your inclination to adjust your approach depending on who you’re speaking to or collaborating with. Remaining nimble in these situations allows you to tailor your leadership style accordingly, which goes much farther than simply being charming.
At the same time, it’s important to work at being approachable and clicking with colleagues. Creating this professional chemistry can lead to even more influence without overdoing it on the charm. We are seeing many articles on leadership recognizing the importance of being a good listener. Listening is just one of the many ways you can continue to build upon your opportunities to influence and generate more trust among others. When your team can rely on your ability to listen and respect them when they have something to say, you’ll in turn benefit from having their trust when it’s your turn to lead a conversation. Active listening skills go a long way when it comes to influence in the workplace and beyond.
You can also position yourself as influential by making it clear that you are committed to your own growth and professional development. When others recognize your efforts to better your own skills and abilities within your industry and as a leader, it reflects well on you. Prioritize continued development and growth if you hope to increase your influence.
At the end of the day, it’s important to both foster influence and recognize the power that it holds. Influence is what enables you to truly lead people, especially when things get tricky or troublesome. In times of high stress or a busy season, your people want to look to someone they can trust to right the ship while protecting their flock. Can you be that person?
Annie Frisoli is Founder & CEO of Creating Community, LLC. She hosts leadership workshops for individuals and organizations, staff retreats to build cohesive teams, and strategic planning sessions for teams and board members. She is a popular speaker and adds energy to any space she arrives. Annie (CFEE), is also a faculty member at the IFEA/NRPA Event Management School and serves on the IFEA Foundation Board. For more information: www.anniefrisoli.com
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