In part two of our four-part blog series overviewing Individual Styles, we offer for introduction the Influence.
Part 2: Influence
Part 3: Power
Part 4: Authority
The Influence is one of the easiest styles to pinpoint because they’ll be the antsy one at the end of the conference table, itching to end the meeting and talk about what happened in the game last night, especially if the meeting is dragging on. It’s not that the Influence doesn’t pay attention or is lackadaisical, they just have a lot of energy. Most importantly, you’ll need to get them to focus that energy on a project. In doing so, watch for the Influence to go at it from a relationship perspective. They like team and social environments because that is what keeps them motivated. The Influence can take a project and run with it, and usually can do so without a lot of details. They use their energy to figure it out and are certainly “commit first, then figure it out” types. If you want a project to get off the ground as soon as possible, hand it to an Influence.
Something to consider about the Influence is their propensity to over-task themselves. When they do, the response is to retreat and subsequently, neglect the request. Although cognizant of it, they’ll use their sharp verbal skills and, aptly enough, influence, to find their way out of a tight spot. They want to work fast and have no problem letting the discussion drift off into disparate subjects. Keep them focused but make sure they’re having fun and are “in-action” as often as possible.
Influence Styles inhabit positions that incorporate the need to shake a lot of hands and be out in front, like ambassadors, public relations executives, sales leaders and even company presidents.
