How to Become an Influential Employee When You Don’t Have Authority was originally published on Ivy Exec.
When you have influence, other professionals will listen, consider your ideas, and even ask for your input. Besides, you’ll build reliable relationships and make a positive impact. Influence also helps you be passionate about your job and builds your confidence.
While influence is vital, gaining it may be more challenging if you don’t have authority. However, it’s not impossible if you’re strategic and consistent.
Here are some ways to become an influential employee without a leadership role.
👉 Be a Great Listener
You might think being a good listener isn’t a significant asset, but it can be pretty helpful in the workplace. Listening to your coworkers allows them to feel like their thoughts matter. It makes them more likely to trust you and be eager to collaborate.
Listening also helps you see the bigger picture. Instead of guessing the problems your coworkers face, you’ll learn their pain points and offer better help.
Don’t check your phone or look at your computer when a coworker talks to you. Instead, give them your full attention to show you care. Besides, avoid interrupting, even if it’s tempting to jump in with a similar story or solution. Other strategies to help you become a great listener are:
- Ask engaging questions
- Repeat the information they provide
- Nod and give signals you’re listening
Watching body language helps you process information and engage your coworkers. It also allows you to observe small cues so you can respond better. For example, if a peer says they’re fine after a difficult meeting but avoids eye contact and barely speaks, they probably aren’t.
Watching for such signs will help you check in gently to show you care. In the long run, you’ll become someone they trust, strengthening your influence.
👉 Speak Up at the Right Time
Your colleagues will likely ignore you if you speak too often or push too hard. On the other hand, if you wait too long to share a great idea, someone else might take the lead.
Find balance by using the proper tone and choosing the right timing to speak. If your teammates look stressed about a deadline, don’t bring up a new idea unless it will help them solve the problem. However, if they are brainstorming, use the chance to share your opinion.
When speaking up, you should also ensure you’re clear and composed. Avoid mumbling or talking in circles since it may make your points hard to understand. Instead, be confident and sound sure of yourself, but stay kind and respectful. You can use phrases like:
- I have an idea that might help
- What if we tried this approach?
- Here’s something I’ve been thinking about
Some coworkers may disagree when you share your ideas, but you shouldn’t shut them down. Listen with an open mind and engage them to understand their point of view.
Doing so will show respect and help you build stronger relationships at work. You might even learn something new or see a problem in a way you hadn’t thought about before.
👉 Be Reliable
You can’t influence other professionals if they don’t trust you, and the fastest way to earn it is by being reliable.
If you promise to do something, follow through and update your coworkers. Besides, if you’re working on a team project, do your share of the work and deliver it on time.
Help your teammates meet their goals and ensure they can rely on you for support and solutions. Here are other ways to improve your reliability:
- Prepare for team meetings
- Always show up on time
- Communicate if something isn’t working out
Applying such strategies will help you become someone your coworkers admire, even if you aren’t their boss. In return, they’ll ask for your opinion more often and include you in collaborative projects. They’ll also trust your judgment and respect your input in group discussions.
👉 Build Genuine Relationships
Building strong relationships at work is a practical way to create a support system while boosting your influence. Strengthen your bonds with coworkers by asking about their weekends when you resume work.
Such a move is a simple way to start a conversation and show interest in who they are outside their roles. Other ways to build genuine relationships at work include:
- Say thank you often
- Do small acts of kindness
- Introduce them to your professional network
- Great your coworkers when you meet them outside work
- Spend your breaks in common areas
- Share helpful resources
Remembering and using your colleagues’ names will prove you’re attentive and respectful. Always address them by name when communicating to make them feel seen and appreciated.
It’s also good to celebrate wins like reaching career goals or completing a course with them. You can send a simple congratulatory message or high-five them for motivation. Doing so will show you’re supportive and care about their success.
👉 Be Curious But Not Critical
When you don’t have authority at work, you must be careful about challenging your peers’ ideas. After all, no one likes working with someone who constantly points out mistakes. However, most people love problem-solvers who bring thoughtful solutions.
If you notice a process your coworker needs to improve, your first instinct may be to tell them their methods aren’t effective. But doing so will sound like you’re criticizing without offering anything useful. It also makes them defensive and can affect how they view your ideas.
Instead of making such comments to your peers, ask curious questions like, ‘I wonder if you’ve considered doing it this way?’ Such phrasing will make it look like you’re just curious and not criticizing them. It invites them to think with you and helps you avoid conflict.
Using a curious approach that isn’t critical also encourages collaboration, building trust, and teamwork. Additionally, your interest will keep conversations meaningful and respectful.
Grow Your Influence in the Workplace Without Authority
Becoming an influential employee without a formal leadership role may be tricky, but it’s entirely possible. Share your ideas and listen to others while respecting their perspective.
Moreover, follow through on your promises and be thoughtful when offering input. It’s also vital to show interest in your coworkers’ lives, be kind, and celebrate their wins. When you combine these approaches, people will recognize your value and respect you more.
