Question

Give an example of someone you've tried to influence lately. Was it an upward, downward, or lateral influence attempt? Which tactic did you use or are you using? From what you know and understand about the basics of power of power and the power to influence do you think you may change your tactic in any way?

300 words

Answer 1

We all try to convince others to do what we like. We figure out that smiling and using polite language causes everyone less stress and brings us the reward we seek. The more influencing tactics you have, the more likely it is that you will achieve your influence goals easily. Some tactics are as follows-

1. Rational persuasion

2. Inspirational appeal

3. Consultation

4. Integration

5. Personal appeal

6. Exchange

7. Coalition tactics

8. Pressure

9. Legitimating tactics

Example- Two months ago I need the Finance head to approve a project which is made by me. But his diary was full, so I decided to send a one-line e-mail with the potential savings underlined. Earlier I used to send one page e-mail to get the approval. This time it was short and clear e-mail. This got his attention. Next day, when he came. He wanted to know about project in detail. I showed how I would make the savings using this project and got impressed. He approved the project on the spot without any doubts and questions.

This is upward influence attempt because he was superior to me in the hierarchy of organizational structure. I use tactics like follow everything up in writing because it is a good way to impress senior as it shows formal communication; and keep the message short , simple and clear so that it does not take their (leaders or superiors) lot of time to read and understand what other person wants to say.

Earlier I used to write 1 page e-mail about project approval which takes a lot of time to read and my senior leader sometimes do not read it and reject it without reading it. After learning about power to influence I write my project’s description according to his requirements and keep it simple and clear to understand.

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