Influence Me: Rub Me The Wrong Way

image_divider

December 15, 2011

Influence is THE buzz word of business right now.  There are lists of influencers, some of which I am honored to be included on and there are companies like KLOUT that are specifically trying to measure and reward influence.  Influence and how to build it seems to be one of the main topics I’m asked to speak about at conferences.  It’s also one of the more elusive things to truly measure because people have varying definitions of what having influence means.

My definition of influence is the ability to cause someone to think differently, to do something or take a different approach from their normal process.  It is especially helpful in change management situations because you are able to use your skills of persuasion to not only express yourself but to have others listen and react.  But being able to influence someone sometimes means you have to have some friction.

Here’s the nugget:

Sometimes you need to be rubbed the wrong way to be influenced.

Let that sink in.

If you think about human nature, we gravitate to people who are “like” us in one way or another.  That is comfortable.  By surrounding yourself with people who think or respond like you do, you will have a good chance of influencing them from time to time.  However, is that the only way?  And, can you be influential by having disagreements with the way someone thinks or the approach they take?  Absolutely!

Why does that work?  When you disagree with someone, your mind immediately begins to think about all the reasons why their opinion is not valid.  Your adrenaline is going and it changes the tone of the interaction.  It’s a time when innovative and creative ideas can come flowing out because you have some passion behind what you are thinking instead of operating in a mode of complete agreement.

What about all those people who rub you the wrong way?  Maybe they are crass or maybe   they come from a different professional background or approach.  Maybe they are from another generation and you find them cocky or insensitive.  I challenge you to add a few of those people to your inner circle in the coming year.  It will be the best move you can make in strengthening your ability to lead and innovate and will test your ability to think differently.

2 Comments

  • Trish-Awesome post that (in my mind) connects influence AND diversity of thought. When I think of people that challenge me, whether personally or professionally, they are folks that can quickly “strike a nerve”. That emotional connection is so important in creating innovation, progress, and results!

    Great post, and as someone who specializes in rubbing people the wrong way it’s good to know someone finally has my back! 🙂

  • Excellent point, Trish! Yes, I happen to agree with YOU on this topic…

    However, I often find myself questioning “everything” and try to view issues from multiple perspectives. It does seem that our society rewards agreeableness and “yes” people far more than those who express disagreement or alternate points of view.

    I’m constantly perplexed by so many people being willing to take things at face value and not use critical thinking or even common sense to decipher whether that information or source is credible. As someone who has strong opinions and willingness to share them when asked, it is amusing when people react when I say something that isn’t aligned with their prior ideas on that subject.

    I’m not necessarily concerned with influencing another person or getting them to agree with my thoughts, but do hope it helps them consider delving further than the surface layer.

Comments are closed.

Screen Shot 2019-12-01 at 17.20.39

About Trish

A former HR executive and HCM product leader with over 20 years of experience.

HR HAPPY HOUR LIVE! TALENT ACQUISITION & ONBOARDING

Play Video

THE FUTURE OF WORK

Play Video

Related posts

3 Reasons To Reveal Your Vulnerabilities

As I sat onstage at UNLEASH World 2022 in Paris last week, I had an epiphany. I need to be […]

Read More

I Cried in the Grocery Store: A Story of Soup and Loneliness

I cried in the grocery store. No, it wasn’t over the outrageously high prices that we’re facing post-pandemic. It wasn’t […]

Read More

Partner with me

image_dividerx2

Get in touch today to find out more about how I can help your organization leverage HR and HCM technology to attract, onboard, retain and manage top talent.