Responsibility Without Authority - How to Influence Without Titles
I would like to make a difference, influence others, but my current title doesn't allow me to accomplish those things. Perhaps you have heard that before, or even said it yourself. I know I have many times in my career. It wasn’t until I moved past that limiting belief that I could achieve my goals. I subscribe to the idea that titles do not matter when it comes to influencing others. However, I am also realistic enough to understand that it can be much easier when you do have a title. But understand, a title rarely makes your ideas better.If you find yourself in a situation where you feel a title is necessary to make the changes you seek, then here are some ideas for how you can push decisions in a new direction without any title.
Do Your Research
Building credibility only comes with hard work and in most cases some research to explore your idea thoroughly. This is beneficial in any role but can be especially important if you are presenting ideas to others that do have titles. That may not always be fair, but the extra effort and work will pay off in the long run. Identify the potential obstacles to your ideas ahead of time so you can address those proactively as you share your ideas.The more you can demonstrate that you have thought through your idea, the better chances you have to move the needle in your favor. If there are multiple paths that can be followed, have information on each of them to ensure you can address that as questions arise. Demonstrating a depth of knowledge on the subject can build trust quickly with those you are speaking to.
State Your Case
Often you will have a limited amount of time to share your new ideas. Be prepared to be very concise when speaking to your thoughts. Like a good story, you want to capture the listener's attention quickly. Start with a real issue you are facing, or that your customers are facing. Then present the solution you have for that problem. Proactively share the benefits and outcomes - these could be cost savings, productivity-boosting, or sales driving. Each of those tend to be easy ways to catch someone's attention. A powerful opening statement might sound something like, ‘our customers really struggle with this one thing, I have an idea that would solve that and probably boost our customer satisfaction scores by x%.’ How could they not respond with, ‘that sounds interesting, tell me more?’
Show Examples of Your Idea Working
Being able to show that you are doing something different and getting results is an excellent way to get others to give your ideas more thought. State your case as mentioned above, followed by ‘here’s what that looks like and the results that have come from doing that’. Share the specifics and how it can apply to others in similar situations.
Ask For Feedback Instead of Pushing Your Idea
If you are concerned about how your idea may be received, you can always ask for feedback on an idea. All of the recommendations above apply here as well, but it may be a softer approach to beginning the conversation. It might sound something like this: ‘We have been struggling in this area of customer service, as I suspect many stores might be. Can I provide some feedback on what I have observed and an idea that might help?” Again, every good leader will hear that and want to hear more. Taking that type of initiative to engage in conversation is almost always rewarded with further discussion.
Speak With Confidence
When you’ve done your research, found examples, and can clearly state your case there is no reason not to be confident in sharing your idea. Hedging or not clearly presenting your idea can often-times conceal the real message you are trying to convey. When that happens, others may move on from your idea too quickly. But when you present confidently, knowing your idea deserves consideration, you will come across as someone who believes that they have a good solution to a current challenge.Fear of titles is one of the greatest limiting factors I have come across when meeting and speaking with young leaders. It can be intimidating early in your career as a supervisor, junior member of management, and even as you become a Store Manager. However, many of the best ideas come from these fresh perspectives. We would all be well served to listen closely to those who work closest to the customer.The ability to influence others without the need for any title shows tremendous leadership. It is almost certainly the quickest way to get the title you may be seeking. Doing the role before you have it almost always shows up on the list of things to do to get promoted. Sharing ideas, demonstrating new behaviors, and sharing freely attracts positive attention from those who can continue to help develop and advance your career. I encourage anyone regardless of their title to openly ask questions, share ideas, and choose to make a difference - no permission necessary.How have you overcome the concern for titles when you have influenced situations in your career?Join other retail leaders in continuing their development journey with Effective Retail Leader.com. SUBSCRIBE today to receive FREE leadership tips directly to your inbox and monthly newsletters that provide many tools to help further develop your leadership skills all at no cost. JOIN NOW!No spam ever - just leadership goodness.Photo by Samuel Zeller on Unsplash