Hannah Busing via Unsplash

In this post we are going to continue the discussion about how to build influence in a work setting by unpacking the first of three tactics. To get caught up on our discussion thus far, please see the previous post: Building Influence Part 1.

Tactic #1 – Develop and Maintain Relationships

The first “building influence” tactic I want to explore is developing and maintaining our relationships with those in our work-community. Practically we can focus on three areas:

• Vulnerability - By putting ourselves out there and meeting new people we can start to develop relationships. Do your best to attend team events, big site events or meetings, even eat your lunch in the lunchroom (and not your cube!)
• Humanizing co-workers - Making intentional efforts to see our co-workers as actual people vs (potentially annoying) interruptions to our day. We can do this through in-person facetime meetings, using cameras for virtual communication, and sharing meals/drinks/experiences through team events. These intentional activities helps to build a connection in an otherwise work-focus relationship.
  • Example from my work-life: Assuming travel is allowed, I fly to my sister site in CA from CO every year to spend a couple days having in person 1:1s with folks on my immediate team and those who are ahead of me in their careers and maybe they’d be interested in a mentor relationship. Honestly, it comes at a great time expense for me and my family of 6 and also financial expense to Intel. But, I have found the time and money investment to be worth it because the ease of connecting with people after I return home is so much better and so is our productivity. They become more than just a name. They become people I can easily connect with later by quickly popping up an IM or having casual convos before a meeting gets started.
• Get to know who you’re talking to - Do they like “small talk”? What do they value? Family? Hobbies? Travel? Ask questions about what they are interested in, about their home life and genuinely engage in conversation.
  • Example from my work-life: If you see a bird in their background on a video call, ask them about it later!

Laying the foundation of connection makes people feel known and heard. It builds a stronger team as well as increases your ability to influence others when the time comes to need that.