***I Wish You Would Just ... Clear the Path for Us to Succeed

Team members need managers to do more than just set expectations and provide encouragement. They need support and someone to clear the path for them with others. Have you ever had a manager ask you do something where you found yourself faced with having to influence others outside your scope of control to get the project done? Our employees need us to run interference for them so they can be successful.

To do this, as managers we need to understand how to be more influential. Stephen Covey, author of 7 Habits and Highly Effective People and many other great resources, talks about the Three Pillars of Influence.

Credibility
• The more credible you are, the more influential you’ll be.
• If you are seen as an expert, you will be perceived to be more influential.
• Much of credibility is rooted in perception and generally earned over time.

Value
• Have you analyzed the value you bring to the relationship? Are you really bringing something?
• Have you specifically taken action to make sure the value is added?
• Does the person or group you are trying to influence see your value being demonstrated?

Partnership
• Have you established an environment of partnership?
• What have you communicated to get “buy-in” to the partnership concept?
Remember, your employees need your support to achieve their goals. To make this happen, you may need to influence others and clear the path for their success.