Influencing without authority
#1 - Practical tips for you to apply right now at work
Welcome to our first newsletter issue. This week we are focusing on influencing without authority. It's common to think of a job title or responsibility as a limiting factor on how, and whom they might influence. Approach influence as expanding your circle of influence. Consider using techniques that are true to you and which work best for the organisation you work in.
At the end of the article, we have handpicked jobs and events you might be interested in.
We chose 8 interesting articles and pulled something actionable from each of them. A few articles are for product managers but the ideas are applicable to any role.
Get out of the way early. If people figure things out for themselves, they will be more invested in their own conclusion.
5 Persuasion Techniques That Aren't Manipulative | by Barry Davret | Medium
Bring expertise, domain knowledge or company context so that you can add value to the project or meeting.
How to Influence Without Authority in the Workplace | HBS Online
Help others to understand the thinking behind your product, expected impact, and its criticality towards your organisation's success. Once they understand, it’s much easier for them to be in support of your product initiatives.
The Most Underrated Product Management Skill: Influence Without Authority
Influencing with kindness or thoughtfulness - if you want to do this pay attention, observe people and be completely focused. During meetings or interactions make a mental note of things.
The Shy Person’s Guide to Winning Friends and Influencing People
Seek to understand first - like the above article it's about undivided attention and noticing things. Let the other party cover all that they wanted to share. Repeat back and get confirmation and alignment on what you heard.
The Single Most Effective Persuasion Technique Is Also the Easiest to Master
Product management-specific tips on how to influence without authority:
Get stakeholders familiar with your point of view before a high-level meeting. Sharing information with the decision-maker ahead of time helps to leverage and build trust and credibility.
The Art of Being Compelling as a Product Manager
As a product manager, your job is to bring people, data and context together, with your own vision. Consider how you could lose influence - think about what not to do, and learn from the mistakes of others in your organisation. The result is not instant and will take constant practise to see results over time.
Product Management Skills: Influence Without Authority | by Carlos G de Villaumbrosia
Building a great team requires a shared sense of connectedness. One way is involving people during the product discovery phase. Involving people early creates a sense of comradery, and your team will go on the mission with you.
How To Influence Without Authority As a Product Manager
Job posts
We have curated some roles which seem interesting:
Squarespace, Product Designer, Help Center, New York, NY, USA ( More jobs)
Stripe, Product Manager, Singapore (More jobs)
Airbnb, Staff Experience Designer, Experiences, USA Remote (More jobs)
Hopin, Senior Product Manager, EMEA Remote (More jobs)
Miro, Senior UX Research, Amsterdam, Netherlands (More jobs)
Deliveroo, Senior Product Designer, London, United Kingdom (More jobs)
Events
Conference: Product Management Festival APAC 2021, Virtual Edition, June 9 (APAC timezone)
The Product Management Festival is back, all-virtual. The speaker line up includes product leaders from Microsoft, Linked In, Facebook, Grab and Carousell. (event)
Conference: Women in Product - Ignite Possibility, May 25 - 27 (US timezone)
Join the Women In Product Virtual Conference to learn new skills from product leaders, network with your peers and to find your next dream job. The speaker lineup includes women leaders from Facebook, AirBnb, Google and UpWork. (event)
Conference: Design Up for a Cause, June 11-20 (Worldwide)
A Design response to India’s apocalyptic 2nd Covid Wave. A conference for a cause, all proceeds go to charities (event)
Meetup: The Art of User UX Interviews, June 16 (US timezone)
Unfold critical skills on how to become an effective interviewer to gather the most insights out of your participants in your next UX interview. (event)
Meetup: Design for Business Impact, June 3 (US timezone)
Join a special creator edition of Designer Fund's virtual speaker series on measuring and communicating the business value of design. (event)
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How do you influence without authority? Add your comment below.