A client of mine was a very capable executive in a large company. She was well-liked and appeared to have all the necessary requisites for senior management. However, she told me about her frustration with being passed over for a promotion. How did it turn out that way? Why did she not get the position?
I have learned that the most successful executives lead with a power of influence. Best-selling author, John C. Maxwell says:
“Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less.”
Influence begins with a clear (and clearly communicated) goal. Unprepared leaders are not Influential leaders. Too many rush into important meetings without being totally prepared. Some lack the skills and the confidence to present their ideas convincingly. Such interactions are unproductive, if not counter-productive, and their leadership can be perceived as wanting.
It is difficult to achieve success when leaders struggle to successfully engage and influence stakeholders. Such was the case with my client. There is a science as well as an art to effectively influence people. It means engaging appropriately with the right person to achieve the right result. Influential leaders
- inspire others to willingly implement their ideas
- maximize their probability of success by setting out specific goals for these conversations
- have high-stakes influence conversations with their superiors, peers, direct reports and stakeholders.
Six-step Methodology
In working with clients, I employ the following proven six-step methodology.
During the follow-up with my clients, we review the outcomes of their meetings.
- Were goals achieved? If not, why not?
- What were the lessons learned?
- What are the appropriate next steps?
This methodology enables leaders to be more effective by successfully influencing stakeholders and makes an excellent framework to enhance leadership presence: that elusive wow factor —charisma —the combination of personal and interpersonal skills.
Leadership presence is how experienced and aspiring executives present themselves to others, which results in how others perceive them. This six-step methodology can lead to developing leaders with influence, giving their careers that extra impetus toward success.
To learn more about this methodology and how I can help you achieve your goals by influencing others, please contact info@bonarinstitute.com.