Influencing Without Authority

Lisa Depew &Heather Monigan

SWE National ConferenceLightening SessionOct. 24, 2013

We listen to people who…

• Demonstrate Confidence• Command Respect• Have Vision

Confidence – Belief in Ability to Deliver

What this looks like• Believe that you are right

person to get the job done• Note: Communicated

consciously and subconsciously

• Position your authority• I am tasked with…and we’re

all going to work together to deliver….

Putting into practice• Articulate your message &

why you are the best person for the job

• Practice out loud• Improve communication skills

(writing, speaking)• Introduce yourself to

stakeholders

People treat you the way you condition them to treat you

Respect – Ethical, Compassionate, Human

What this looks like• Honest conversations• Sincere commitment to task• Seeking best for people, team,

and company

Putting into practice• Do what you say you are

going to do• Connect with people

personally• 1:1s & History

• Ask for help/insight/recommendations

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ―

Maya Angelou.

Vision – Knowing Where Team/Project Is Going

What this looks like• Clearly and crisply communicate what

needs to be done overall and by each individual.

• Define and articulate SMART* Goals• Specific• Measurable• Attainable• Relevant• Time-bounded

Putting into practice• Document your vision• Revisit the Vision/Goal at the

beginning of each meeting• Enlist others & track progress• Secure buy-in and commitment

to meetings• Clarify, document, and track

goals

*Citing: The first known use of the term occurs in the November 1981 issue of Management Review by George T. Doran.[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMART_criteria

Inspire…then define and monitor progress to goals

Additional Thoughts

• Understand Organization’s Priorities• Know your People• Reward Effort and Success

Influence – Putting it Together

• Confidence• Respect• Vision