1. Presentation Inspiration
KineticFuture: Leadership Communications Coaching
Can You Change Your Influencing Style?
This summer, why not try on a new style of working for a day and see what happens?
We all have a preferred influencing style even if you’re not aware of it! It may even work well for
you 80% of the time. But knowing how and when to use other styles will help you lead teams,
motivate action and win business more easily.
Answer this quick quiz. Imagine you want to change the travel policy from economy seats on
long haul flights to business class. You’ve been travelling non stop for a month. You now have
back problems and think the policy is damaging your ability to get the job done. Tomorrow, you
are talking to the management group.
What will be your preferred overall style of influencing their decision?
A Outspoken, impatient, get straight to the point, putting your own point vigorously
B Present a logical argument with conviction, be articulate in debate
C Build a consensus with the group, seek the common ground, get buy in from others
D Present the big picture in an inspiring way, look for options and stimulating ideas
There are pros and cons of all these approaches.
Style A (Directive) can seem too dogmatic but is speedy.
Style B (Persuasive Reasoning) is clear & action oriented but can be seen as too assertive
Style C (Collaborative) builds on everyone’s ideas but can take a long time
Style D (Inspiring) can be very engaging but can appear too abstract
If you recognise your preferred style, try using another one for a whole day and see the difference
in response. It will help you feel comfortable when you have to use different styles to achieve
your goals.