INTHEBLACK April 2022 - Magazine - Page 60
F E AT U R E
// M A N A G I N G U P
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“It’s about having empathy and listening to people.
Being curious, getting to know them and the area they
are working in. Not jumping to answers, but slowing
down, focusing on what they are saying and playing
back to them what you have heard,” says Charles.
Such behaviour demonstrates that you are someone
who thinks about others’ perspectives, not just your
own, and can adapt solutions to others’ working style,
because you understand where they are coming from.
Also central to building your reputation as an
influencer is a solid foundation of knowledge and
expertise.
“People need to have respect for you and know that
you know what you are talking about,” says Charles.
Developing expertise does not happen overnight,
but keeping informed through continuous professional
development, strategic upskilling, attending industry
conferences and taking on leadership roles in relevant
professional organisations can all help to raise your
profile. Sharing insights on social media or blogging
about issues in your profession are other visible signs
that you are on top of your game.
CUT THROUGH
While expertise will get you so far, engagement and
effective communication will take you over the line.
This requires some honest self-reflection.
Consider the effect you have on other people.
Do you need to be amplified or toned down?
Is your body language conveying the right message?
60 ITB April 2022
Are you alienating people with jargon instead of using
simple, direct language?
In his book Power Cues: The Subtle Science of
Leading Groups, Persuading Others and Maximizing
Your Personal Impact, American communications
coach Dr Nick Morgan offers tips for asserting your
physical presence, including standing tall with your
shoulders back to project an air of confidence.
“When you adopt a certain [slumping] posture,
you think in subordinate terms and you talk in
subordinate terms, and it increases the likelihood that
you’ll be seen as less authoritative,” says Morgan.
Those who prefer writing to speaking can
still move people to action, deepen and grow
relationships, be visible, teach and learn, says Jennifer
Kahnweiler, the author of Quiet Influence: The
Introvert’s Guide to Making a Difference.
“When writing, know and adapt to your audience.
Make a persuasive case – use a step-by-step logical
sequence when you write, back up your assertions
with facts and figures, and be succinct,” she advises.
Those on the other end of the communication
spectrum should consider how much they dominate
spaces and discussions.
Garcia advises extraverts to be respectful of others’
work areas and personal space, as well as to consider
how much they talk compared to others.
“I’m not suggesting being meek, but practise
active listening and find a tone of voice that enters
a conversation in a more exploratory way – using