Building Influence in the Workplace by Lea McLeod

Last updated: Jul 18, 2023

Summary of Building Influence in the Workplace by Lea McLeod

Building Influence in the Workplace by Lea McLeod is a comprehensive guide that provides practical strategies and techniques for individuals to enhance their influence and impact in the workplace. The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on different aspects of building influence.

The first section of the book explores the concept of influence and its importance in the workplace. McLeod emphasizes that influence is not about manipulation or control, but rather about building relationships, trust, and credibility. She highlights the benefits of having influence, such as increased collaboration, improved communication, and enhanced career opportunities.

The second section delves into self-awareness and self-management, which are crucial for building influence. McLeod encourages readers to reflect on their strengths, weaknesses, values, and goals in order to develop a clear understanding of themselves. She provides practical exercises and tips for managing emotions, building resilience, and developing a growth mindset.

The third section focuses on building relationships and networking. McLeod emphasizes the importance of building genuine connections with colleagues, superiors, and subordinates. She provides guidance on effective communication, active listening, and conflict resolution. McLeod also offers strategies for building a strong professional network, both within and outside the organization.

The fourth section explores the role of influence in leadership. McLeod discusses the qualities and behaviors of influential leaders, such as integrity, empathy, and effective decision-making. She provides insights on how to lead with influence, inspire others, and create a positive work culture.

The fifth section addresses challenges and obstacles that individuals may face in building influence. McLeod offers practical advice on overcoming resistance, dealing with difficult people, and navigating office politics. She also provides strategies for managing conflicts and building consensus.

The final section of the book focuses on continuous growth and development. McLeod emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, seeking feedback, and embracing change. She provides resources and tools for personal and professional development, such as books, courses, and mentors.

Overall, Building Influence in the Workplace is a comprehensive and practical guide that equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to enhance their influence and impact in the workplace. Through self-awareness, relationship-building, leadership, and continuous growth, readers can develop the influence necessary to succeed in their careers and make a positive difference in their organizations.

1. The Power of Active Listening

One of the key takeaways from "Building Influence in the Workplace" is the importance of active listening. McLeod emphasizes that truly listening to others is a powerful tool for building influence and establishing strong relationships in the workplace. Active listening involves giving your full attention to the speaker, maintaining eye contact, and showing genuine interest in what they have to say. By actively listening, you not only gain a deeper understanding of others' perspectives and needs but also make them feel valued and respected.

McLeod provides practical tips for improving active listening skills, such as avoiding distractions, paraphrasing what the speaker said to ensure understanding, and asking open-ended questions to encourage further discussion. By incorporating active listening into your daily interactions, you can enhance your influence by fostering trust, empathy, and collaboration with your colleagues.

2. The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

Another valuable insight from the book is the significance of emotional intelligence in building influence. McLeod explains that emotional intelligence involves understanding and managing your own emotions as well as recognizing and empathizing with the emotions of others. Developing emotional intelligence allows you to navigate workplace dynamics more effectively and build stronger connections with your colleagues.

McLeod provides strategies for enhancing emotional intelligence, such as practicing self-awareness, regulating your emotions, and actively seeking to understand others' perspectives. By cultivating emotional intelligence, you can better handle conflicts, communicate more effectively, and build trust and rapport with your coworkers, ultimately increasing your influence in the workplace.

3. The Power of Networking

McLeod emphasizes the importance of networking as a means of building influence in the workplace. Networking involves actively connecting with others, both within and outside your organization, to build relationships, exchange information, and gain support. By expanding your network, you increase your visibility and access to opportunities.

McLeod provides practical tips for effective networking, such as attending industry events, joining professional associations, and leveraging social media platforms. She also emphasizes the importance of maintaining genuine connections and offering support to others in your network. By actively networking, you can enhance your influence by establishing a strong professional presence, gaining valuable insights, and accessing resources and opportunities that can further your career.

4. The Value of Building Trust

Building trust is a crucial aspect of building influence, as highlighted by McLeod in her book. Trust is the foundation of strong relationships and effective collaboration in the workplace. McLeod explains that trust is built through consistent actions, open communication, and demonstrating integrity.

McLeod provides strategies for building trust, such as delivering on your commitments, being transparent and honest in your interactions, and actively seeking feedback. By prioritizing trust-building, you can enhance your influence by fostering a positive work environment, encouraging teamwork, and gaining the support and respect of your colleagues.

5. The Power of Personal Branding

McLeod emphasizes the importance of personal branding in building influence in the workplace. Personal branding involves intentionally shaping and managing how others perceive you and your professional identity. By developing a strong personal brand, you can differentiate yourself, establish credibility, and increase your influence.

McLeod provides practical tips for building a personal brand, such as identifying your unique strengths and values, consistently delivering high-quality work, and actively seeking opportunities to showcase your expertise. By investing in personal branding, you can enhance your influence by positioning yourself as a trusted and valuable resource, attracting opportunities, and gaining the respect and recognition of your peers and superiors.

6. The Importance of Flexibility and Adaptability

McLeod highlights the significance of flexibility and adaptability in building influence in the workplace. In today's rapidly changing work environment, being able to adapt to new situations, embrace change, and remain open to different perspectives is crucial.

McLeod provides strategies for developing flexibility and adaptability, such as seeking out new challenges, being open to feedback, and continuously learning and growing. By demonstrating flexibility and adaptability, you can enhance your influence by being seen as a valuable and reliable team member, contributing to innovative solutions, and effectively navigating change.

7. The Power of Effective Communication

Effective communication is a key factor in building influence, as emphasized by McLeod in her book. Clear and concise communication helps convey your ideas, build rapport, and foster understanding among your colleagues.

McLeod provides practical tips for improving communication skills, such as being mindful of your body language, using active listening techniques, and adapting your communication style to different audiences. By enhancing your communication skills, you can enhance your influence by effectively conveying your ideas, building strong relationships, and gaining the support and buy-in of others.

8. The Importance of Continuous Learning

McLeod highlights the importance of continuous learning in building influence in the workplace. By actively seeking out new knowledge and skills, you can stay ahead of the curve, adapt to changing circumstances, and position yourself as a valuable resource.

McLeod provides strategies for continuous learning, such as attending workshops and conferences, seeking out mentors, and staying up to date with industry trends. By prioritizing continuous learning, you can enhance your influence by becoming a subject matter expert, offering innovative solutions, and gaining the respect and trust of your colleagues.