In a recent coaching session with a client, let’s call him- Mridul , we delved into the intricacies of leadership development, focusing on communication, influence, and relationship-building with key stakeholders. Leadership is not just about making decisions—it’s about how you communicate those decisions, build rapport, and influence others to align with your vision. Mridul ‘s journey is an excellent example of how leaders can take proactive steps to develop these critical skills.
Here are a few key takeaways that can benefit any leader looking to elevate their impact:
1. The Power of Communication
Effective communication is at the heart of leadership. Mridul acknowledged that while his communication within his team had improved, he faced challenges when communicating with leadership. Leaders often need to not only convey information but also sell their ideas in a way that resonates with their audience. By identifying specific areas for improvement—like eliminating unnecessary disclaimers and focusing on clearer expression—Mridul is working on becoming more assertive and impactful in his communication.
Key Action:
– Separate people from their work profiles: When building relationships, focus on understanding the person behind the role. This fosters trust and opens up more effective conversations.
– Follow up on feedback: Regularly check in on feedback from your stakeholders to show commitment to improvement and build trust.
2. Building Rapport and Influence
One of the most crucial skills in leadership is the ability to influence others—both with and without formal authority. Mridul recognized the need to improve his relationships with key stakeholders, including Alisah, and understood that rapport-building is essential for influence. He was introduced the concept of 6 principles of influence, which offer actionable frameworks for leaders to enhance their impact:
– Scarcity: Create a sense of urgency and value by being intentional with your time and communication.
– Reciprocity: Lead by example—offer favours or support to others, and they will likely return the gesture, strengthening your influence.
– Social Proofing: Leverage your network for mutual recognition. Publicly acknowledging others’ contributions builds a positive feedback loop and solidifies your leadership presence.
Key Action:
– Create an action plan for building stronger relationships using these principles. Mridul committed to taking action by improving his rapport scores with stakeholders and focusing on those he needs to influence most.
3. Adapting to Organizational Culture
Mridul also reflected on the challenge of adapting to the culture at his workplace, where constructive criticism and boundary-pushing are constant. It’s important for leaders to understand that every organization has its own unique culture and ways of operating. The best leaders are those who can adapt their approach to align with the business’s vision, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Key Action:
– Fit the culture: Rather than resisting feedback or pressure, focus on how you can evolve and align your leadership with the company’s broader goals and expectations.
4. Influencing Without Authority
Leadership is not just about managing a team but also about influencing stakeholders, especially those who don’t report to you directly. Mridul discussed the importance of influencing peers and leaders alike. The coach emphasized the need for leaders to take proactive steps in building their influence, particularly with senior leadership. This can be achieved by taking leadership actions that reflect a commitment to team success and setting high standards.
Key Action:
– Focus on selling your ideas and aligning them with your stakeholders’ priorities. This makes your contributions more relevant and valued.
5. Continual Learning and Self-Reflection
Mridul ’s journey illustrates the importance of self-reflection in leadership development. Leaders who are willing to recognize their own weaknesses and commit to improvement tend to be more successful in the long run. I suggested that Mridul read the book “Bezos Blueprint” to continue developing his communication style and leadership approach.
Key Action:
– Invest in learning: Whether through reading, mentorship, or coaching, make sure you’re continually learning to enhance your leadership capabilities.
Conclusion: Building Leadership with Influence and Communication
Leadership is a dynamic skill that requires ongoing development and adaptability. Mridul ’s commitment to improving his communication, influence, and relationship-building skills will undoubtedly strengthen his leadership effectiveness. By embracing these principles, any leader can elevate their ability to influence stakeholders, build rapport, and create lasting impact.
In the end, leadership is not just about telling people what to do; it’s about inspiring and influencing them to take action, align with your vision, and contribute to shared success.
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What steps are you taking to enhance your leadership impact?
Whether you’re focusing on communication, building rapport, or learning to influence effectively, the journey to becoming a great leader begins with self-awareness and intentional growth.