What does it really take to influence when you do not have formal authority?
In this conversation with Laura Sellers, global executive and team coach for Procurement professionals, we explore why influence, confidence and relationship-building are essential leadership capabilities for professionals who want to elevate their impact across an organisation.
Laura shares why introverted energy is not a barrier to influence or leadership presence, and how some of the most impactful leaders are not the loudest in the room, but those who choose their moment, build strong relationships and communicate with intention.
We discuss the shift many professionals need to make as they become more senior, moving from technical expertise into relationship-based influence. This is especially important when you are influencing without authority, working across functions, collaborating remotely or navigating cultural differences.
What you will learn in this episode:
- Why introverted energy can be a strength in leadership and influence
- How to challenge narrow ideas of what confidence should look like
- Ethical influence is not manipulation
- Why relationships are central to influencing without authority
- ‘What does good look like?’- a simple question for complex dynamics
- How the drama triangle can help you understand conflict patterns
- Bringing more of yourself into your leadership
How does your natural communication style help you influence, and where might it need to flex?
Before you step into a difficult conversation, what role could you be playing in the relationship dynamic?
What part of yourself might you be leaving behind when you communicate in a different culture, language or context?
Resources:
- Connect with Laura Sellers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-sellers/
- Visit Laura Sellers’ website: https://www.coachingforprocurement.co.uk/
- Buy Victoria’s book, Become a Global Leader:https://culturecuppa.com/book/
- Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more strategies, ideas and inspiration: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson
Watch the video of this Episode here:
How to Influence without Authority, with Laura Sellers: https://youtu.be/b827SIQDgVU
Read this Episode’s Blog post here:
Why influence starts with relationships: https://culturecuppa.com/why-influence-starts-with-relationships/
