Influencer Types 2.1
(Monday)
Context:
In the workplace, how you influence others and allow yourself to be influenced will determine how successful, productive, collaborative, and respected you are in the workplace.
In this lesson, you’ll learn the five influencer types that contribute to success in the workplace and in life.
Why it’s important: Being reasonable means being able to consider all sides or all options in any discussion. As a team member or leader, being able to allow yourself to be influenced will ensure that you are not seen as someone who is head-strong, arrogant, or bull-headed.
People who are viewed as reasonable are highly valued and sought after since they will always work towards a solution rather than stubbornly insist on only their viewpoint or suggestion.
In addition, there will be times in meetings and discussions when you’ll have to use your influence to introduce ideas, persuade others to make a decision, provide support for consensus, or provide sound reasoning as to why one choice is better than another.
Understanding these influencer types will allow you to fill those roles as needed and in doing so, become invaluable to your employer and team.
Remember: You’re no longer in debate class. At work, the goal is to find solutions, collaborate, and solve problems together.
A valued employee understands influencer types.
Primer Questions
What’s the difference between persuaded and influenced?
When do you allow yourself to be influenced?
Write down your answers and observations in your journal.
“
It’s no use trying to reasonably argue with unreasonable people. Better to spend your time in more productive pursuits.
”
― Laurence Overmire
What are the four influencer types?
There are times when we need to become a specific influencer type to achieve a specific outcome.
Watch this video then answer the questions below, or discuss them with others.
NOTE: These videos are designed to explain basic principles. To enhance what you’re learning, try to teach a younger sibling the points made in the video.
Influencer types:
Shaper: Considers the big picture and provides the best option(s) and is able to present reasoning for his or her suggestions.
Reinforcer: Listens carefully. Choose the best option. Provides additional reasoning in support of that option.
Neutralizer: Listens carefully. Choose the best option. Provides additional reasoning against that option.
Followers (or supporters): Carefully considers the presented options, and clearly choose one option.
No one type is inherently good or bad. They are all needed in order to come to an informed consensus or decision when working with others.
In any discussion or meeting, you should always choose to embody one of the types.
Of course, no matter what type or role you play, you need to “do your homework” so to speak. You need to really think about and reason for each option being presented, or come up with your own.
Equity and inclusion in the workplace.
Finally, do not underestimate the role of a follower or supporter. If you don’t have a strong opinion one way or another, but feel one option is better than the others, let it be known. This is how consensus is built.
When an option is chosen, acknowledge that you will support that option:
“I like it”, “I agree”, or “Let’s do it”.
When a team feels that everyone is on board, it contributes to team cohesiveness and a common goal moving forward.
You may hear a lot about the value of leadership and teamwork. You can lead by example as a follower, supporting ideas that have the majority of the group’s approval. In doing so you also demonstrate your ability to acquiesce and support the team’s wishes. You put the team, represented by the majority of the group) ahead of your personal opinion.
Metacognitive Assignment
This week, notice if you have a default influencer type. Also, take note of when you change your influencer type or role. Are you the same around your family as you are your friends? If you work, are you a different influencer type than when you’re in class?
As you note if you have a default or dominant influencer type, write it down in your journal. Write down the role you choose to fill around different groups or settings. See if you can determine why you choose to be the various influencer types.
Write down your findings from the above assignment in your journal.
Thought of the day.
Being able to appreciate others starts with appreciating yourself. You have so many unique qualities. Appreciate them!