Nowadays, we are faced with so many complex tasks to perform, often requiring multiple skill sets. It is practically impossible to make a meaningful contribution if you go it alone. It takes the effort, intelligence and passion of others to be successful. And to get there, you have to convince them to follow your path.

Regardless of the environment in which we operate, our resources are not limitless. Whether it’s the funds required, the hours in a day, the number of people available to complete a project, or even our energy levels, there is never enough to meet all needs. Therefore, we must make wise choices, and prioritize what achieves the most effective results.

When you come up with an idea that is close to your heart, you are competing with those of your colleagues for resources, whatever they are. In order for these to be invested in your proposal rather than another, you must demonstrate that your idea has more value and merit than the competing ones. And this value, while obvious to you – otherwise you wouldn’t be here talking about it – can be misunderstood or even contested by others.

Therefore, your role as a leader is to demonstrate to others how valuable your proposition is to them, from their perspective… The value for them, not for you. Because it is their time and resources you are asking them to invest.

Your capacity to truly contribute to team goals as well as your own professional goals depends on your ability to influence others, to persuade them of the merit of your ideas by appealing to both their feelings and intellect. This will enable you to gain the collaboration and assistance of others to achieve a promising result for a project close to your heart. Or it could allow you to positively change a person’s behavior, or motivating your employees to give the best of themselves when performing their tasks.

That’s why mindful influence draws on multiple skills in different areas. Of course, it requires putting your knowledge and skills to the fore, but while adopting a position that inspires trust 

Nowadays, we are faced with so many complex tasks to perform, often requiring multiple skill sets. It is practically impossible to make a meaningful contribution if you go it alone. It takes the effort, intelligence and passion of others to be successful. And to get there, you have to convince them to follow your path.

Regardless of the environment in which we operate, our resources are not limitless. Whether it’s the funds required, the hours in a day, the number of people available to complete a project, or even our energy levels, there is never enough to meet all needs. Therefore, we must make wise choices, and prioritize what achieves the most effective results.

When you come up with an idea that is close to your heart, you are competing with those of your colleagues for resources, whatever they are. In order for these to be invested in your proposal rather than another, you must demonstrate that your idea has more value and merit than the competing ones. And this value, while obvious to you – otherwise you wouldn’t be here talking about it – can be misunderstood or even contested by others.

Therefore, your role as a leader is to demonstrate to others how valuable your proposition is to them, from their perspective… The value for them, not for you. Because it is their time and resources you are asking them to invest.

Your capacity to truly contribute to team goals as well as your own professional goals depends on your ability to influence others, to persuade them of the merit of your ideas by appealing to both their feelings and intellect. This will enable you to gain the collaboration and assistance of others to achieve a promising result for a project close to your heart. Or it could allow you to positively change a person’s behavior, or motivating your employees to give the best of themselves when performing their tasks.

That’s why mindful influence draws on multiple skills in different areas. Of course, it requires putting your knowledge and skills to the fore, but while adopting a position that inspires trust  

and motivates others. Exercising mindful influence in a positive, lasting way not only relies on your expertise, but also requires great skill in reflection, presence and trust. It focuses on the way that humans think, on the ability to remain in the present moment and have presence, as well as to have confidence in yourself and in your means, and to inspire trust in others.

These topics are fundamental to your ability to influence and are covered in the How to inspire trust training course. It is strongly recommended that you complete this one first before continuing with this influence training.