Episode 114: Making Things Happen - When to use Power or Influence

In this episode Stephen and I discuss Power & Influence - namely the 2 forces that you can use to “make things happen”This is a big topic and you’ll see from my questions and answers that it is easy to become a little confused and even disorientated.  I did anyway.But we get there in the end - and by ‘there” I mean a deeper understanding of the role that Power & Influence can play.  And more importantly it was clear that by understanding these forces you will be better equipped to manage and plan for the right results.Listening back I think I wish pushing too hard for a simple checklist to make things better - similar to other episodes - but in this instance it’s going to take a bit more work.Let me know what you think - [email protected] - be kind and constructive!  Below are some notes from the episode:  I’ll pop back at the end with some summary notes I wrote up after we finished."Making Something Happen" – is an important part of the Human Condition – as well as a key requirement for successful management and leadershipStart with clarity – what do you want to make happen and whyRemember “Why to the Power of 7” – have at least 7 good reasons why you want to do thisClarity will help you make the distinction between ‘Making something happen” and “Making anything happen” – sometimes we just want to see action instead of a clear outcomePower is what you can make happen when “you’re in the room” – when you’re presentInfluence happens when you’re not presentPower: What you can do.  Influence: What you can get doneBuilding up Influence builds up your capacity to get more things doneIf you have the time – build up your influence.  Otherwise use power.The more powerful you are the harder it is to influence – your influence needs to be bigger than your power.  Otherwise people will only see Power.If you underestimate your Power, you’ll under-develop your InfluenceHierarchy of Communication: Could – Should – MustPower: 20% formal and 80% informalInfluence: 20% Direct and 80% IndirectIt’s a ratio relative to you and not to the roomInformal power can be developed – inner workThe more power you gain the harder to be influentialOne way to see the dynamic change is after a promotion – your influence drops as your power has grownDon’t deny your power – focus instead on building your influenceUnderstand your audience to reduce the barriers to influence – sometimes they’ll see you as powerful and sometimes as influential – be aware of what you’re doing & the differenceIt’s the action that they will judge – not the intentionI can be influenced by those I have a connection with and who don’t have a “Power Barrier”How can you maximise your influence? Build & foster a network of advocates and supportersUntil you have built influence you will need to use Power – starting up an enterprise/projectStrategies – 3 levels – Operational, Managerial, Strategic1 Operational: Be aware of the amount of Power you’re bringing into the situation so you can calibrate your influence2 Managerial: You actively manage the situation to use influence or power to achieve optimal result3 Strategic: You are working out the different ways you can build both Power and Influence Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.