MODERN LEADERSHIP
change and make change happen.
They successfully collaborate,
encourage, and positively impact
those around them.
In contrast, those who can’t influence
find themselves exiled from the
decision makers in the organisation.
They become ‘out of the loop’ on
issues that matter. Uninvolved in
critical decisions. Their voice goes
unheard. All of which makes it
harder for them to get things done.
And leaders who can’t deliver results,
don’t progress. This impacts their
career, but also impacts those
around them. A 2010 Harvard study
found that a lack of progress is one
of the biggest de-motivators in the
workplace. People want to feel they
are making progress on work that
matters, and that their manager
‘has their back’. If their manager is
powerless to influence outcomes,
this impacts the team’s morale.
A 2013 Towers Watson study
reinforced what other studies have
shown – that the majority of change
efforts fail in organisations. A lack
of leadership is often the prime
culprit. Leaders are expected to
successfully lead people through
change. But leading is almost
impossible, if they can’t influence.
Leaders can’t rely on traditional
hierarchies to get things done.
The organisational dynamics
are different. It’s important to
understand who influences whom,
how decisions are made and what
avenues exist to make progress and
influence outcomes.
This is about understanding the
influencing factors operating in the
‘organisational system’ and having
the nous to find the ‘the back door’
and leverage the informal networks
though which decisions are often
made.
Leaders who can influence, know
themselves and what motivates
their behavior, just as much as they
understand others. They’re able
to manage their own behavioural
responses. They’re also equipped
with the skills to motivate behaviour
change; build awesome stakeholder
relationships; create coalitions of
support for change; communicate in
an authentic and compelling manner,
and negotiate important decisions.
In doing this, they take ownership
of their personal power. This is
power that is derived from within,
and is consciously acquired. When
a person has the right be