It took me a while to understand this:
Influence rarely happens when you need a decision.
The work starts long before that.
I've found that people are far more receptive when they can absorb an idea over time.
A conversation here.
A bit of context there.
A discussion about the problem before anyone starts talking about solutions.
When you do this, understanding grows.
And that understanding creates shared ownership.
Influence begins when "my idea" becomes "our idea."
By the time a decision is needed, you aren't being asked to get on board with someone else's thinking.
You've helped shape it along the way.
Build understanding and shared ownership long before you need either.
What's your best tip for building influence?