Maynard Brusman

Leading and Influencing Co-Workers

One of my executive coaching clients is working on increasing her ability to influence other members of the executive leadership team. I am coaching her to become a better listener, and to help team members become more fully engaged.

The CEO of her company knows that for the organization to thrive depends on all company leaders to be more adept at influencing key stakeholders. Human Resources is partnering with me to support senior executives in improving their ability to persuade others. Our current executive coaching and leadership consulting work is also focused on helping leaders at all levels increase their ability to influence team members.

Have you noticed that some people have a knack for getting through to people, convincing them to buy into their plans, goals and desires?

It may seem like magic, but it really isn’t. The art of persuasion is easier to learn than you may think.

When you look for and find that “loose brick“ — what the other person really needs from you — you can tear down even the strongest barriers and connect with people in ways you never thought possible.

Right now, if you’re like most, there are a few people in your life to whom you can’t seem to get through. They may be team members, subordinates, clients or maybe even your boss. Perhaps it’s a partner or spouse, defiant teen or angry “ex.”

You try persuasion, logic, pleading, and bargaining, but you hit a wall every time. The more you try, the more your efforts backfire.

Most people, when faced with resistance, up -shift to higher gears. They speak louder, persuade harder, encourage, cajole, and then argue and push. The end result is greater resistance.

When you do the opposite, however — when you just listen, ask, mirror and reflect back to people what you hear — you’ll achieve the results you seek. You’ll start to get through to the people you need to reach, no matter how difficult they can be.

Are you working in a company or law firm where some leaders seem to be good at influencing others? Does your company or law firm provide leadership coaching and leadership development to help leaders develop influencing skills? During hard economic times, leaders at all levels need to influence others to get work done.

One of the most powerful questions you can ask yourself is “Am I good at influencing others?” Emotionally intelligent and socially intelligent organizations provide executive coaching and leadership development for leaders to be better at influencing others.

Working with a seasoned executive coach and leadership consultant trained in emotional intelligence and incorporating assessments such as the Bar-On EQ-i CPI 260 and Denison Culture Survey can help you create an organizational culture where the ability to influence key people is appreciated and rewarded. You can become a leader who models emotional intelligence and social intelligence, and who inspires people to become fully engaged with the vision, mission and strategy of your company or law firm.

I am currently accepting new executive coaching, career coaching, and leadership consulting clients. I work with both individuals and organizations. Call 415-546-1252 or send an inquiry e-mail to mbrusman@workingresources.com.