Influence: The 3 Shifts That Change Everything

In every organization, there is the formal org chart… and then there is the real map of influence. The people who can move things forward (or block them) are not always the ones with the biggest titles.

From my latest Influence workshop, here are the three shifts participants told me had the biggest impact:

1️⃣ Map your stakeholders — Formal authority and informal influence are rarely the same thing. In one project, a senior VP was officially the sponsor, but the real decision-maker was a quietly influential regional lead. Mapping the real players changes your entire strategy.

2️⃣ Flex your style — Most of us have a natural influencing style (push, pull, collaborate, or inspire). The higher the stakes, the more you need to play all four. I have seen people unlock deals simply by switching from pushing information to inspiring shared vision.

3️⃣ Handle resistance with empathy — When you face pushback, ask: Is this rational (data-driven), emotional (fear, pride), or political (self-interest, alliances)? Your approach must fit the root cause.

Influence is not a talent you are born with — it is a skillset you can learn, refine, and master. The payoff? Projects that move, allies you did not expect, and results that last.

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👋 Hello! I’m Eric Fingerhut — Executive Coach & Team Facilitator. I help individuals get promoted without burning out, and teams thrive on trust & collaboration. 🌐 careersteps.ch #Leadership #CareerGrowth #HighPerformingTeams #Visibility