How To Become An Influencer At Work

Any business leader, manager, and employee can become an important influencer at work. An influencer is someone who has expert knowledge, insight, and authority on a specific subject. This means that the ideas and opinions of a trusted influencer carries more weight than others. In the workplace, an influencer doesn’t just have to be a boss or team leader. They can be the ‘go-to’ colleague who knows what they are talking about.

In the age of social media, the term influencer is now synonymous with selling products or marketing ideas. Today, influencers can be celebrities, bloggers, and thought leaders. However, there is no reason why you can’t be an influencer at your workplace.

One of the reasons to become an influencer at work is because it will advance your career. When you increase your knowledge and gain valuable insights, you become a valuable member of the team. Your insights will build authority which will, in turn, make your appreciated and more influential.

How can you build your influence in the workplace and professional life?

Here are 5 ways to become more influential at work.

1. Learn how to listen properly

It would be a mistake to think that to become an influencer, you have to speak a lot. Gaining respect and influence at work starts with how you listen.

The Journal of Research in Personality found that the best influencers at work were the best listeners. Although speaking up helps get your ideas and opinions across, the study found that listening helped develop relationships. In the study, subjects rated former colleagues with the most influence as those who listened well. This was because it listening helped to form trust and find out more information.

2. Always be learning

One of the keys to boosting your influence at work is to be constantly learning. People with influence are up to date on the latest trends and information. This gives them an edge when it comes to developing strategies or coming up with ways of doing something.

To keep learning and become an influencer, read industry-related books, follow blogs, and listen to podcasts on your commute. Just don’t forget to share what you have learned with others in your workplace.

3. Build influence through consistency

Consistency in all areas of your professional and personal life is the best way to build your reputation. In time, people will learn to rely on you because they trust you and know what to expect. In fact, this puts you in a better position than a so-called ‘expert’ who can’t be trusted.

Consistency is a hallmark of employees and managers who exercises influence. Having a consistent style of leadership and treating employees fairly will build your reputation. As an employee, consistency shows a level of dedication that your superiors will appreciate.

3. Build connections

The whole concept of being an influencer requires that you connect with others and build relationships. After all, if you don’t have a good rapport with your colleagues, they are hardly going to look to you for advice. Without having good relationships with those around you, you will find it impossible to influence them.

4. Influencers are assertive, not aggressive

Being an influencer at work requires getting your message across. However, not everyone may be on board at the start. The challenge for you as an influencer is to be assertive without being aggressive.

Being assertive means providing enough facts in a clear and direct manner. It also means listening actively, paying attention to body language, and being patient. Aggressive behaviour often shows itself as being defensive and getting upset at honest criticism.

So, always stand up for your ideas but learn to ‘agree to disagree’. You also should pick your battles wisely.

5. Be flexible

To shine as an influencer in the workplace, it is also important to learn when to be flexible. Although being flexible seems to be the opposite of assertiveness, it is an important quality needed to influence others.

For example, if you always stick to your beliefs and are unwilling to change, you will come across as stubborn and even selfish. When you show a willingness to be flexible while sticking to your beliefs, you will gain more influence. In many cases, you have to negotiate and compromise to come to a mutual solution.

In conclusion, striving to be an influencer at work is one of the best ways to further your career. You will also be an asset to others and an important contributor to your team.