How To Succeed at Relational Authority and the Power to Influence Internally

Podcast Summary

Join us for an insightful exploration of the art of influencing people internally within organizations. In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Sabine Gedeon, an esteemed executive advisor and speaker, as we dissect the concept of relational authority and its crucial role in building internal influence. Sabine emphasizes that mindset is 80% of success and highlights the significance of understanding your audience by stepping into their shoes. We uncover the challenges faced in internal negotiations, particularly in sales and HR, and the importance of aligning internal support to meet client needs. Discover how behaviors, attitudes, and techniques, encapsulated in the acronym BAT, are essential to enhancing influence and achieving success within an organization.

Listen in as we emphasize the importance of preparation and strategic relationship-building to effectively influence stakeholders. By identifying key individuals who may challenge or support a proposed change, you can tailor your approach to align with their priorities. We discuss the use of tools like DISC to understand team members' perspectives and the impact of consistent behavior in building credibility and trust over time. Learn how nurturing internal networks and maintaining a reputation for thoroughness can significantly enhance your ability to gain support for initiatives. This episode provides actionable insights for overcoming resistance and achieving success by mastering the art of internal influence.

(00:02) Influencing People Internally
(10:22) Preparing to Influence Internally

(00:02) Influencing People Internally

This chapter explores the essential components of relational authority and the power to influence people internally within organizations. Joined by Sabine Gedeon, an executive advisor and speaker, we examine the critical role of mindset in successful influence. We discuss how understanding your audience and preparing for conversations by stepping into their shoes is vital for building influence. Sabine emphasizes that mindset constitutes 80% of success, and having the right attitude is crucial before any strategic execution. The conversation highlights the challenges people face in internal negotiations, especially in sales and HR, and the importance of aligning internal support to meet client needs. The focus is on behaviors, attitudes, and techniques, as embodied in the acronym BAT, and how these elements contribute to improving one’s influence and success within an organization.

(10:22) Preparing to Influence Internally

This chapter explores the importance of preparation and strategic relationship-building in influencing stakeholders within an organization. I discuss the necessity of identifying key individuals who might challenge or support a proposed change, and how to align them with your goals. By understanding the perspectives of different team members, especially through tools like DISC, you can tailor your approach to address their priorities effectively. I also emphasize the significance of consistent behavior in building credibility and trust over time. By nurturing internal networks and maintaining a reputation for thoroughness, you can significantly enhance your ability to gain support for initiatives, making it clear that preparation is key to overcoming resistance and achieving success.