The Growth Lever Hiding In Plain Sight
What if I were to tell you that you already have a growth lever that can multiply your results WITHOUT adding a single line item to your budget…
Any guesses?
It’s influence.
Think back on your career…
You’ve probably had two kinds of leaders.
1). the ones you had to follow because they were the boss, and 2). the ones you wanted to follow because you believed in them.
That second group? They had influence, and it changed everything.
First, let’s clear something up…
When I talk about influence, I don’t mean manipulation or bending people to your will.
I mean the ability to inspire trust, shape decisions, and spark action without relying on authority or fear. It’s how to get things done through people in a way that lifts everyone involved.
“Because I Said So” Is the Opposite of Influence
Authority is about position and the title on your business card. You can require compliance because you’re the boss.
Influence is about trust. It comes from doing what you say, being clear about what is needed, and showing how it helps everyone succeed.
People choose to follow your lead because they believe in you, not because they have to.
Think of it this way: Authority gets things done when you’re in the room. Influence keeps things moving when you’re not.
Which would you rather have? Personally, I choose influence.
And let’s be honest, life outside of business proves this daily.
Influence is pure gold when authority falls flat. “I’m the CEO of this house” doesn’t get much buy-in from teenagers who couldn’t care less if their clothes are in the dresser or piled on top of it.
But if I say, “Hey, let’s see what fits in the drawers so we know if you need anything” suddenly I’ve got their attention. That’s influence at work.
6 Tips to Grow Your Influence
- Start with shared goals. When your idea sounds like your agenda, people instinctively resist. When you frame it as our win, others lean in. People support what they help create.
- Make deposits before withdrawals. Influence is built in the in-between moments. Show up prepared, follow through on your commitments, and offer help without being asked. Doing so builds the trust you’ll need when it’s time to rally support.
- Ask more, tell less. Try questions like: “What risks do you see here?” or “How could we make this easier on your side?” People want to be seen, not steamrolled.
- Learn to speak other people’s language. What is a win for them? Help people connect the dots between your objective and their goals. Make their jobs easier & your influence grows.
- See people. Catch them doing good work and explain why their effort matters.
- Manage your energy, not just your priorities. When momentum stalls, it’s tempting to get louder, push harder, or give up. Stay grounded and curious about what is getting in your way. People follow calm, not chaos.
Your Move This Week
Time to practice what I preach…
With your team: Close the loop when someone delivers. Provide recognition and explain why what they did matters.
With a business partner or contractor: Present your request as a win-win.
Do both, and watch how quickly your influence shifts—no authority required.
What your influence all boils down to…
Less time managing tasks, and more time on strategy.
A team that drives results without constant check-ins.
Stronger partnerships because people trust you to deliver.
Doesn’t that sound nice?
⚠ Remember:
Influence is not charisma. It’s not “winning people over.”
It’s about becoming the leader whose presence lingers…in a good way..long after you leave the room.
Cheers to influential people (I’m talking to you 😉),
Laurie
