Influencer Types 2.3
(Friday)
This week we looked at four different influencer types or roles.
In this lesson, you were introduced to four influencer types that if used effectively, will allow you to contribute in a meaningful way to any discussion or meeting at the workplace.
When you are hired, you are being hired for your thinking ability, your insights, ability to reason and problem solve.
Unlike school, where you can say little to nothing at all in class discussions for an entire year, if you do not contribute to and participate in meetings at the workplace you’ll be the first to go come lay-off time.
Let’s review:
Shaper: Understands the big picture and details, and can usually provide logical, reasonable options or suggestions.
Reinforcer: After listening to the discussion, supports one option by providing additional logic or reasons as to why the chosen option or suggestion is best.
Neutralizer: After listening to the discussion, provides logical reasons as to why the chosen option or suggestion is not the best option.
Follower: We sometimes call this role a supporter as well, since the follower, after listening to the discussion, voices their support for an option, but usually without additional supporting points.
Remember, the followers, or supporters are valuable only if they express their support for a specific option. Since many decisions are made by the majority, as a follower you become a force and contributor in the decision-making process by vocally supporting an option.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
In this lesson, you were also made aware of the need to appreciate diversity in the workplace.
Equity and inclusion require you to be able to view all your teammates and leaders with respect and appreciation, no matter their ethnicity, cultural background, gender, education level, religious belief, and so on.
If you need to work on this, do it now before you enter the workforce.
Feel free to complete the metacognitive review below.
Now that you understand the four main influencer types, start getting in the habit or participating and being engaged in any discussion.
In addition, you should be more aware of your dominant or default influencer type so that you can change roles or types as needed in the workplace and life.
Remember: Employers will need you to help make very important decisions. Do not mistake workplace meetings for the classroom. So start to speak up, suggest, and support now.
LAYOFF PROOFING
There is no lack of critics. You probably know people who are quick to tell you or the group that an idea won’t work, or a decision is wrong.
While it is important to speak up if you feel there is a better option or idea, by adding the following steps you’ll go from being the negative, critical employee, to an appreciated, valued problems solver.
1) Very clearly state why you feel the idea, decision, or suggestion is wrong, bad, or won’t work.
2) Then suggest an alternate idea or suggestion, or something to improve the suggestion, idea, or decision currently being discussed.
That’s how you establish a reputation as a valuable, essential, problem-solving employee.
Thought of the day.
You have so much to give. Your ideas, solutions, and just as important, your support.
Understanding your power.
There is one final aspect of influence that is important to be aware of. It is important that you become aware of how you influence others.
At your leisure, make sure to review the final lesson Influence to make certain you are an expert at using your influence in a conscious, responsible way.