How to Manage & Influence People
Managing and influencing others isn't difficult. You may not have the title of "manager," but you probably manage others and influence them every day. This is because all organizations have formal and informal leaders. The formal ones have the titles. The informal leaders are those whose opinions are highly valued by their peers. Managing and influencing others positively simply takes practice.
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Instructions
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Check your motives for the desire to manage and influence people. Do you want to sincerely help them or manipulate and influence them for selfish purposes? You should want the former.
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Lead by example. Exhibit the behavior desired in others. If employees are missing deadlines for projects, for example, manage them by working with them through project timelines. Share tools that will help them with time management.
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Communicate clear expectations that are "SMART": specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and time-bound. For instance, you might explain that by July 1, the company will increase widget sales revenue by 2 percent. The goal provides a deadline and specifically states what should happen.
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Follow through on promises and, if necessary, disciplinary actions. It's difficult to influence anyone if promises or commitments aren't kept. Under promise and over deliver. When making a commitment, build in time for unforeseen circumstances. If all goes as planned, the promise can be fulfilled sooner than expected. Follow up as appropriate when an employee doesn't behave as promised. If an employee is often late for work, for instance, begin disciplinary proceedings, such as verbal and written reprimands.
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Watch for changes in behavior. Are your methods working? Have others been influenced to the extent that they are changing their behaviors or thought processes? Ask the questions to understand effectiveness.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice patience when managing. Be patient with yourself and others. It may be necessary to adjust your management or influence styles based on the learning style of the other person.
Do not use manipulation to influence others.
