Strategic influencing is the act of employing carefully planned approaches to persuade or convince others. It applies to work with customers, peers, bosses, subordinates and all stakeholders in a project. Strategic influencing is about being able to move things forward… without pushing, forcing or telling others what to do.

To use your strategic influence, you must first assess your network. With whom do you interact, both inside and outside of your organization? Once you have identified the various individuals in your network, you need to understand what will most likely persuade them – identify their “currencies.”

Currencies are the things that motivate or mobilize us, and they differ from person to person. For one person, it might involve working on something with a positive social significance. For another, it could be working on a task that will likely lead to a promotion.

To influence effectively, you must start by listening. Be prepared to listen intently to the other person to make sure that you fully understand their needs, their point of view and their objectives. Be an active listener: repeat to the person what you thought you heard and get confirmation that you heard what they intended. Then orient your communications with them around the ideas and objectives that they value.

When you seek to exercise strategic influence, always look for a solution where both parties benefit. Approaching negotiations with a “win-win” goal in mind will serve your long-term interests as well as those of the other person.

Strategic influencing is a nuanced art, but it can be learned. Remember:

Truly excellent strategic influencing skills require a healthy combination of interpersonal, communication, presentation and assertiveness techniques. Successful strategic influencing can make all the difference in attaining your goals and moving your projects forward.