Dare to Lead: How to Influence even the Prickliest of People
Navigating Complex Projects and Persuade Even the Most Stubborn Stakeholders...
Ah, the allure of the large-scale project. Complex, impactful, and brimming with… well, let's be honest, a whole lot of potential headaches.
After 15 years in product development and program management within the media and technology industries, I’ve had the privilege of building PMOs from scratch, launching countless products, and mentoring countless program managers. Along the way, I’ve encountered my fair share of prickly stakeholders, each with their own strong opinions on how I should do my job. While these experiences have certainly been challenging, they’ve also taught me invaluable lessons about influence, communication, and leadership. Let’s dive into some practical tips that can help you navigate these complexities and emerge as a successful influencer.
Juggling multiple stakeholders, navigating conflicting priorities, and wrangling sometimes prickly personalities – it's enough to make even the most seasoned professional break a sweat. But fear not, fellow Crea8r! Here's your roadmap to influence your way to success, even in the age of remote work and online meetings.
🎙️ 1. Become a Mastermind of Communication (Online and Off):
Communication is the oxygen of influence. Here's the recipe for online meetings that crackle with engagement:
Be an Active Listener and solicit active listening: Pay close attention to verbal and nonverbal cues. Are colleagues fidgeting? Do they seem confused? Their screens off? Acknowledge their concerns and rephrase key points for clarity, and ensure people are engaging in your meeting. Even, solicit comment real time. “Hi John, so what do you think of the statement posed…?”
Embrace the Power of "Visuals": Charts, graphs, and even collaborative whiteboards can make complex ideas sing. Share your screen and leverage online tools to keep everyone on the same page. I am a sucker for Google Slides. It takes boring docs and texts and turns them into visual cues that the brain can understand and digest the information more.
💡 Did you know? Humans are inherently visual creatures. Our brains are wired to process information more efficiently when it's presented visually. Diagrams, charts, and infographics can simplify complex concepts, making them easier to understand and retain. 👂🏻 Additionally, our auditory sense plays a crucial role in learning. Listening to your voice as you speak to the presentation, engages our auditory memory and enhances comprehension. By incorporating both visual and auditory elements into our learning and communication, we can create more engaging and effective experiences that cater to a wider range of learners.
Poll and Ask Questions: Don't just lecture and take up the entire time with your voice. Use polls and Q&A sessions to gauge understanding and solicit input. You can even use the Polls feature and encourage Questions on Zoom or Google Meet with their cool features and chat.
📍 Remember, effective communication isn't a one-way street. It's about creating an environment where everyone feels heard and valued.
🧟♂️ 2. Know Your Herd (Stakeholders):
Understanding your stakeholders' motivations and concerns is key. Take the time to:
Map the Ecosystem: Identify key decision-makers, influencers, and potential roadblocks.
Seek Out One-on-Ones: Understand their priorities, anxieties, and what success looks like for them in this project.
Tailor Your Approach: Don't use the same tactic for everyone. Frame arguments in a way that resonates with each stakeholder's perspective.
By building rapport and anticipating their needs, you can proactively address their concerns and gain valuable buy-in.
🙌🏼 3. Embrace the Power of "Yes, And...":
People are naturally more receptive to ideas that build on existing ones. Rather than dismissing suggestions outright, try adopting the "Yes, And..." approach. This technique involves acknowledging the merit of a suggestion while adding to it. For example, instead of simply saying "no" to a proposed timeline, you could say,
"Yes, I understand your concern about the timeline..." (Acknowledge Their Point)
"...and here's how we can mitigate that risk by..." (Bridge the Gap)
This approach demonstrates flexibility, open-mindedness, and a willingness to collaborate. It fosters trust and encourages further discussion, leading to more creative and effective solutions together. By embracing the "Yes, And..." mindset, you can transform potential disagreements into opportunities for innovation and growth.
💔 4. Break the Glass Ceiling (But Build Bridges)
Women, in particular, often face additional challenges when speaking up in meetings. To overcome these obstacles, it's important to practice assertive communication, even though you may be an assertive person. The two things are different because what you may be innately, may not be coming across overtly, especially in an online meeting.
Focus on Value, Not Hierarchy: Your insightful ideas are just as powerful as anyone else's.
Do Your Homework: Preparing in advance can boost your confidence. Research the topic, practice your points, and visualize a successful outcome.
Don't Be Afraid to Speak Up - clearly and confidently: Confidence is key. Project your voice clearly and confidently. Use active voice and use "I" statements to express your ideas, but avoid the prhases “I think” or “Maybe its…”
Actively seek opportunities to contribute. When the discussion unfolds, be sure to add your point of view, or make a point to follow up for more dialog offline.
Remember, your voice matters, and your contributions are valuable. Don't let seniority intimidate you. Even as you push boundaries, maintain a collaborative spirit and build bridges with senior colleagues.
💪🏼 5. Be Bold, Be Confident, Be the Leader You Were Meant to Be
Large projects are daunting, but they are also incredible opportunities to learn and grow. Here's how to step up:
Express Your Interest Early: Make your desire to lead the project known early on.
Highlight Your Strengths: Showcase your organizational skills, communication prowess, and ability to meet deadlines.
Own Your Mistakes: Everyone makes them. Learn from setbacks and demonstrate resilience.
😊 A Smile is worth a thousand words. When you show up with enthusiasm, its amazing how others join your party
Taking ownership fosters confidence and demonstrates your commitment to seeing the project through.
👉🏼 Remember: Influence isn’t about force or manipulation. It’s about building relationships, understanding your audience, and delivering value. By mastering these skills, you can not only achieve your professional goals but also inspire and empower those around you. So, go forth, embrace the challenges, and let your influence shine.
Now, go forth and wrangle that herd of stakeholders – you've got this, Crea8r!
xo,
Gilli