“The best leaders were & are great followers. Great followers learn how to lead without the power given by position.” – Randy Blincow, Founder, Healthy Rhythms Life Coaching

In this 10-part series, we have so far discussed nine attributes of being a great follower. Displaying these attributes together serves to give us the tenth most important attribute – influence. Your value to an organization and to your leaders depends on the influence you carry throughout the organization. When you earn the right to have influence over people who are not under your leadership, you will have uncovered the secret to having influence over those that are or will eventually be under your leadership. Influence does not come from the power of a position; it comes from respect.

One of the most challenging positions I ever held was Financial Planning Manager for a global business. Coming relatively early in my career, my responsibilities included compiling the 5-year Strategic Plan and 1-year Profit Plan for this business. The biggest challenges of the position were that I had zero employees working for me, and to perform my duties I had to solicit input from cross-functional department leaders across the organization. Without their cooperation, I would fail, and I had no power over them by virtue of my position. I had to cultivate influence. To be successful, I had to ensure that they saw the benefit of helping me succeed in my role. Bullying was not the answer. The answer was:

Boldness – I made the ask. I presented deadlines that were firm. I projected confidence.

Discernment – I understood that there was more than one way to accomplish my goals. I understood when compromise or taking input from someone else meant a different path was better.

Curiosity – I took the time to listen when someone was struggling with an assignment. I was interested in understanding their function and role so that I could help them see a path to completion.

Integrity – I provided reasonable deadlines rather than engage in the game of asking for something early so that I could accept delays. I displayed a willingness to accept delay rather than cut corners.

Empathy – I sought to understand the issues others were facing and to assist wherever possible.

Grace – I extended goodwill to those who were not able to meet a deadline or whose input needed reworked. I followed up without demeaning anyone.

Loyalty – I understood that I was not the ultimate consumer of my work. I accepted changes in requirements and additional requests along the way from those who were ultimately responsible.

Humility – I displayed self-confidence without arrogance. I understood I had no power over those I was working with, and that we could be involved in the process together.

Perseverance – I showed that no matter the obstacles we faced, I would get us to the desired result.

In this manner, I earned the respect of those on which I was reliant. This gave me influence. Influence is a form of power that beats anything you try and assert without it.