You don’t need to be the boss or a manager to be influential at work. Stanford University lecturer Matt Abrahams gave some insights into being influential at work without being the boss. He said there are three simple ways to get your coworkers to like and back your ideas.
These techniques can help you share your thoughts effectively and build relationships with your colleagues. It can also help you get better at your job and maybe even get promoted.
Modern Worn Dynamics
Abrahams’s advice is timely. This is because nowadays, jobs are changing. Many entry and mid-level Gen Z and millennial employees don’t get as much time to meet their bosses in person.
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This is because of the remote and hybrid work setups. In his words, Abrahams said, “Careers are very different now. Things are more remote and virtual, so you’re not around people as much.”
Taking Control of Your Career
The recent work setup means you have to take charge of your career more than before. In order to succeed, you should make sure others are on board with what you’re doing.
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In the interview with CNBC Make It, Abrahams said, “You are forging your own way, and you need others to support or follow the things you’re trying to do.
Below are three easy tips that will help you whether you’re working in an office or from home
Learn How to Be Helpful
Start by paying attention to how things work in your workplace. You can search online or ask HR about the different teams and who they report to.
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The next thing is to find a leverage point, a way to stand out within that structure. An example is taking on tasks that others might not enjoy. This can help you get noticed and get more involved in the team.
How to be Helpful: Volunteer
You can volunteer to take notes during meetings. This will encourage other people in the room to pay attention to you. “They’ll want to make sure you capture things right. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions,” says Abrahams.
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You can help organize office events or create a Google doc to help your team stay organized. If only one person is handling the company’s social media, you can offer to help. Suddenly, the job you have, even if it seems boring to some, can give you a chance to have more impact and influence.
Seek Out Supporters
When you’re in a room with people you don’t usually work with, you have a chance to make new relationships. For instance, if you’re taking notes in a meeting, pay attention to everyone there. Notice how everyone comes up with ideas, makes decisions, and how they brainstorm.
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You might find people who think like you, people who can give you advice about your job. You could even meet someone higher up who’s willing to chat over coffee and offer you tips.
Seek Out Supporters: Make a Postive Impact
Abrahams advises not treating friendships like business deals. “Don’t treat your relationships as transactional. Instead, find folks you vibe with and whom others at work respect.”
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“Make sure to chat with people and genuinely hear what they have to say,” Abrahams suggests. “I don’t mean play games. I’m not saying you should be manipulative. Show interest in things that matter to you. That’s how you can really make a positive impact.”
Encourage and Back Each Other’s Ideas
Once you’ve built good connections with people at work, you can move on to the next step. Think about how you can team up to achieve shared goals. Abrahams refers to this as “aligning” with others.
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Then, he suggests “amplifying.” This could involve backing up each other’s ideas out loud. For example, when someone suggests something cool in a meeting, explain why you think it’s great for the company.
Encourage and Back Each Other’s Ideas: Team Efforts
Abrahams suggests that you can make your ideas more powerful by acknowledging your team’s contributions. For instance, instead of saying “I came up with an idea,” you could say something else. You could say, “Daisy, Ben, and I have been working on something we think could solve a problem.”
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This approach demonstrates that you’ve worked together, gained support, and understand how to navigate your company’s environment effectively.
Encourage and Back Each Other’s Ideas: The Power of Acknowledging Team Contributions
Always acknowledging your teammates’ contributions performs wonders. It not only makes people pay attention to what you have to say. It also increases the chances of your coworkers seeking your advice or inviting you to join their projects.
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According to Abrahams, this practice is incredibly influential. In his words, “There’s nothing more powerful.”