FOCUS is needed to Influence

B. Kim Barnes, author of the book “Exercising Influence,” said that to become an effective influencer, one must have FOCUS.

• Flexible
  • Be open to alternative means for as long as the outcome goal shall be achieved.
  • For example, this may include working with other groups, foster shared ownership, in order to achieve the goal.
• Observable
  • Design in a way that you can see whether you are nearly achieving the goal or not, then adjust.
  • Have a clear target that you can control like achieving a revenue target or target number of members.
• Courageous
  • It must be optimistic, with a degree of success or failure risk, to make the effort worthwhile.
  • Be ambitious in order to make it worthwhile, whether you succeed or fail.
• Useful
  • Achieve longer term important results, not short term ego needs.
• Supportive
  • Influence activities must be aligned with big picture goals.