Do you consider yourself influential? Are you a mover and a shaker? In the day-to-day operations of the business world, we tend to reserve those descriptors for those who make the “big-money” decisions. However, in reality, each employee can be highly influential on a daily basis.

Each of us is a mover and a shaker within our own circle of influence. It is important, then, to empower each employee to be proactive in every move they make and in every task they perform. This significantly increases their level of buy-in. The byproduct is increased efficiency and reduced turnover.

Movers and Shakers

Anyone can increase the level of influence they exert over their situation. It simply takes the foresight to step back and reassess the situation and a willingness to proactively follow through. Here are a few sample steps toward that end.

1. Understand your own temperament (work style). Starting with a good look at what you value and what makes you feel successful is the best bet. Provide yourself some honest answers about who you are and what you enjoy doing. When are you at your best? In what type of environment are you most productive? How do you work with others? What work roles are you comfortable in; i.e. are you a motivator, task manager, problem solver, or negotiator? Once you understand what work habits and preferences you possess, you can be highly conscious of your preferences and work within them.
2. Understand your strengths and weaknesses. This is another introspective moment for you. Make a list of the tasks that you are frequently asked to complete. What skills do you have that lend themselves to successful completion of these tasks? What do you contribute to the team or department you work within? What areas would you benefit from the knowledge of others?
3. Be on a first name basis. One of the things that separate a good team from a great team is trust. That trust is built through the relationships between team members. Begin building that relationship immediately (especially as new members join the group). Make sure that each member feels like a valued player in the game.
4. Learn the temperaments (work styles) of your team/department. Just as you took an introspective look at what makes you a productive employee, it is a good idea to take stock of the styles at work within your team or department. Is each member working in a position that is in line with his or her style? If not, can adjustments be suggested? What strengths, talents, and skills does each member bring to the table? What are the environmental preferences of each member?
5. Understand that Show & Tell isn’t just for kids. Knowledge isn’t power until it is put into action. Begin to build an environment of sharing. If you attend a training that you feel was helpful, share as much as possible with all team members and encourage others to attend. When the whole team builds a knowledge base and language base together, it makes for a competent and successful team.

Within each of our roles, there is a great deal of influence to wield. Regardless of whether you are a Blue, Gold, Green, or Orange, you can use your influence to build up or break down a team or department. How you use your circle of influence is up to you.

All of the information in this newsletter is owned by Nathan K. Bryce. The content of this newsletter may not be used or duplicated without written permission from the copyright holder. [010131]