Want more workplace influence? Start with a personal strategic plan
Hard work is fine, and good fortune is fleeting—if it shows up at all. Instead, follow this advice for cultivating relationships and delivering on what your colleagues and clients need and want.
Most people believe (incorrectly) that if they do good work, their star will rise in the organizations in which they work.
We think, “I will get recognized.” Or, “I will gain credibility.” In effect, “I will have more influence.”
If you look around yourself at work, you’ll find just about everyone believes that, and yet the real question is, “In a world where there are many talented people, how will I distinguish myself?”
You need tools and skills, but you also need a plan. Influence doesn’t fall into your lap (unless you are Powerball-winning lucky). Yes, you can develop it (and your reputation) over time. So, you have two choices: Wait for it to come to you, or speed up the rate by going to get some more of it.
That won’t happen by chance; it happens by plan.
More than 70 advertisements were created for this ad campaign featuring Will Ferrell as Ron Burgundy, and while they ran, Dodge Durango sales doubled. What is advertising, if not influence? Influence happens by plan, not by chance.
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