Table of Contents >
   Chapter 14. Core Functions in Leadership >
         Section 6. Influencing People >

Influencing People

  

Tools & Checklists

Contributed by Jenette Nagy and Rebecca Wolff

Edited by Bill Berkowitz and Jerry Schultz

Checklist

Here, you'll find a checklist that summarizes the major points in the text.

__You understand the purpose of influence and the role it can play in your organization.

__You can define and identify the three basic elements of influence, and the role each plays.

__You understand the role the audience plays in your attempts to influence.

 

You understand your daily activities can the lay the groundwork for being able to X influence others effectively.

__You have a "network" of relationships with people that you continue to expand.

__You understand the importance of credibility.

__You are honest and trustworthy in your private and professional affairs.

__You make it a point to listen to the ideas of others and remain flexible in your options, while also speaking out when you need to.

__You make an effort to "seek out" people with different viewpoints.

__You understand that most large-scale changes take years to complete, and continuously recognize and relish smaller-scale accomplishments.

 

You understand various tactics you can use to influence others, such as:

__Using comparison.

__Giving something away.

__Getting people in the habit of saying yes.

 

You understand the general approach to influencing others.

__You have decided what exactly you want, as well as what you can give up.

__You have decided who you want to influence directly and indirectly.

__Praise and interest have been employed while non-constructive criticism has been avoided.

__Your audience's wants and beliefs have been defined.

__You have found and emphasized common ground with your audience.

__When you've been wrong, you've admitted it.

__You have inoculated your audience against pertinent counter-arguments.

__Logic and emotion have both been utilized in your persuasive attempts.

__You have explained to your audience "what's in it for them."

__You've stated your main point at least three times.

__Argument has been avoided whenever possible.

__Your ideas have been simplified.

__You have thanked your audience.

 

When situations have become difficult, you have handled them appropriately by:

__Keeping things in perspective.

__Keeping your emotions in check.

__Attempting to understand why your audience is behaving as it is.

__Changing your tactics after they have failed.

__When necessary, taking a break to regain your composure.

__Coming back to points of disagreement.

__Attempting to find other people to influence those people on whom your efforts did not succeed.

__Considering the usage of a trained mediator.

__Knowing when it is time to give up or temporarily retreat.

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