{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Influencing Without Authority","description":" There is a path in career advancement that isn\u2019t always easy to navigate \u2013 the spot between individual contributor and seasoned manager. How can you be an influence at work when you don\u2019t have authority? Communicating and influencing effectively requires shifting from a tactical mindset to a more strategic view. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS SVP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and Sally Williamson, CEO of Sally Williamson & Associates, Executive Coach, Executive Presence Expert, Author, Speaker and Storyteller. Together, they consider how to influence outcomes and build credibility to move forward, particularly when authority isn\u2019t part of your title or role.   Episode Insights Include:   Making your influence a top 2026 priority Functional lanes are constantly shifting, and you need to shift with them.  Companies want employees who are willing to think outside their lane.  Fresh ideas are always welcome, but not always clearly defined by role.  Influence is key in making your voice heard.  Breaking down lanes is critical to collaboration.    Supporting vs. partnering on outcomes Centers of excellence support an operating function. As long as experts stay solely in their lane, true collaboration can\u2019t happen. Stop supporting outcomes exclusively, and start partnering with leaders of operating functions. Doing so will add value to the ultimate outcome.   Exercises that expand this skill Learn how to attach to someone else\u2019s value. Identify a leader\u2019s big goals to stretch your offering to meet their value. Ask curious questions that expand your understanding of the overarching vision.   Overcoming common challenges  Expand your focus from the day-to-day reactions to a larger vision. Consider what you can contribute beyond the task list. Reframe your language about your contributions. Focus less on your task takeaways and more on what you contribute to the conversation.   Senior leader shifts Bring people along with your big ideas and initiatives. Invite others to join you in the big picture story. Align others in the journey that leads to what you are trying to accomplish. Influence and alignment should be synonymous. Leaders can unlock the power of what others can contribute. \u201cStay in your lane\u201d should never be the message from a leader.   Building influence as an introvert or new team member Introverts aren\u2019t tentative in their thoughts, they may be tentative to share it. Consider asking another person to share your thoughts on your behalf. New team members only get a few chances to influence at the beginning. Show, above all else, that you can work well with others. Ask questions that show clarity. You didn\u2019t miss your chance in the meeting; send follow-up emails. Influence is in the eyes of others, as is resistance \u2013 proceed strategically.   This podcast is powered by FCCS.   Resources   Connect with Sally Williamson \u2013 Sally Williamson   Get in touch   info@fccsconsulting.com   \u201cLeaders want you in the room for how you think, not just the tasks that you\u2019ll take away.\u201d \u2014 Sally Williamson   \u201cFocus less on what you take away as a task and more on what you contribute as a part of the conversation.\u201d \u2014 Sally Williamson   \u201cInfluence doesn\u2019t mean calling the decisions. It\u2019s creating the environment where a group gets to a decision.\u201d \u2014 Sally Williamson   \u201cAll of us are bigger than the roles we\u2019re in. Shift from what you do to how you think.\u201d \u2014 Sally Williamson ","author_name":"The Forward Thinking Podcast, Powered by FCCS","author_url":"https:\/\/www.fccsconsulting.com\/podcast","html":"