Leading with Influence is fundamentally about nurturing relationships. As Ken Blanchard wisely stated, “The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.” Influence is essential for achieving collaborative success.
How can you effectively nurture your work relationships? One practical approach is to create a Sphere of Influence Map. This simple yet powerful tool helps illustrate your professional connections. Here’s how to create one:
- Start with a Blank Sheet: Draw a circle in the center and write your name inside it.
- Identify Key Influences: Ask yourself: Who do I need to influence to succeed in my role? Who influences me? What interdependencies are crucial?
- Draw Your Connections: From the center, draw lines like a mind map. At the end of each line, create a circle with the names of significant relationships—this could include colleagues, vendors, department heads, or your supervisor.
- Analyze Your Map: Consider adding arrows to indicate where you have direct influence and who influences you. Look for individuals with connections to decision-makers you want to impact. The potential for expanding your network is limitless.
Once your map is complete, identify someone who may need extra attention. Perhaps you’ve been too preoccupied to reach out, but recognizing their needs is vital. Schedule a “20-minute coffee break” and come prepared with strategic questions to gain insight into their situation:
– What is your top priority needing support right now?
– How are you keeping your team motivated during these challenges?
– Regarding the XXX project, what’s going well?
– What has surprised you most amidst our staffing changes?
While we all agree on the importance of nurturing relationships, it’s easy to become distracted by our busy lives. Keeping a Sphere of Influence Map visible (I place mine next to my desk) helps ensure that your key relationships remain a priority.
By Mari Pat Varga
