The hidden skill in every leadership role; let's call it what it is.

No matter the leadership role, there's always a significant focus on "getting others on board". We see it everywhere: P&L changes, new strategies, mergers, acquisitions, and new technology. While we may talk about leading change, inspiring, or motivating, what we're really discussing is how well we influence others.

But let's be clear about the word influence. For some, it can carry an ethical dilemma. Here, we're talking about influencing for good, with positive intentions that serve and improve our communities.

And when leaders struggle to influence, the top three reasons are consistently the same:

1. Relationships are always at the top

2. Trust is a close second, or lack of

3. Authority/expertise follows next

People will "get on board" with people they like, align with and feel united with. This means that before you can influence you must invest effort and energy into building genuine well intended relationships (and it doesn't mean being an extrovert). Your title and authority are not enough, I know this from experience.

Three ways to build influence.

Tip 1: Proactively invest in building relationships and connections.

Actively develop relationships with people across the business, not just within your direct teams or division. This requires energy and effort to also nurture these connections, be genuine, well intended and generous, and don't allow your title, calendar or sense of importance limit your behaviour.

Tip 2: Offer support to those outside of your direct accountability.

If you believe you can help, give it freely without expecting anything in return. I once had a senior leader offer to check-in over coffee, inviting me to share my challenges. I was met with advice, mentoring and organisational insights. This one-off turned into regular advice and mentoring that I welcomed. As a result, when they needed something, I couldn't wait to repay their help in spades!

"People naturally reciprocate, so be generous with your support and make it a way of life."

And if you're on the receiving end of this kind of generosity, my motto is to "pay it forward". Whatever elevates your experience in the workplace, your career, your aspirations, find someone to pay it forward with.

Tip 3: Share your knowledge

Share your knowledge and expertise generously. Support others, both inside and outside your direct accountability to build their own skills. Look for opportunities to mentor or coach others, and share your learnings. Doing this may build your authority in a specific area, without needing a formal title, whilst also building your reputation and strengthening your personal brand.

Tip 4: Bank credits in your Trust bank with others

Act and behave always with integrity and honesty. Be transparent, follow through on all your promises (so only promise what you can deliver) and be consistent in how you show up in the workplace. These small, yet powerful acts builds your Trust Bank with others. Also consider that trust is a journey not a destination, so acting like this in bursts, or for a period of time, will likely diminish Trust faster than you can build it.

These tips shouldn't be one-off actions.

I prefer to see it as ways of working, a way of life. Done without expecting any return and always in service of the greater good.

Influencing others has been woven into our leadership programs, and is a key module in our emerging leaders program, Rise-UP. Reach out to discover more.