Influencing is an art that professionals at all levels must master, especially when trying to secure resources, launch new initiatives, or drive change. When you don’t have a seat at the senior leadership table, it can feel like your voice gets lost in the noise. However, with the right strategies, you can ensure your ideas are heard, gain support, and drive meaningful impact. Here’s how:
1. Build Credibility and Expertise
People listen to those they trust and respect. In my roles, I’ve always tried to consistently demonstrate my knowledge, expertise, and commitment, aiming to become the go-to person for insights on volunteering. I found that well-researched data, providing solutions, and becoming a reliable source of information helped me develop my credibility. When you are known for adding value, others are more likely to take your input seriously.
2. Identify and Leverage Influencers
Find your champions—the people who will advocate on your behalf and support your voice. I’ve been fortunate to have senior managers who were passionate about volunteering and supported my ideas. If you don’t have that yet, seek out those who align with your vision, build relationships, and present your ideas in a way that aligns with their goals and priorities. When someone at a senior level backs your vision, it gains traction much faster.
3. Speak the Language of Leadership
As a strategic leader, I’ve learned to focus on business outcomes, strategic alignment, and return on investment. This is crucial when seeking resources and support for new initiatives. Frame your proposals in a way that addresses your organisation’s goals, financial impacts, and operational efficiencies. Instead of focusing on what you need, highlight the broader business benefits and how your initiative contributes to organisational success.
4. Use Data to Strengthen Your Case
Facts and figures are powerful tools for persuasion. Support your proposals with data, metrics, and case studies that showcase potential impact. I found volunteer surveys and data from my Volunteer Management system invaluable in providing qualitative and quantitative evidence to back up my case. Leaders are more likely to support ideas that are backed by tangible data rather than opinions or vague projections.
5. Master the Art of Storytelling
People remember stories more than statistics. I’ve learned that crafting a compelling narrative around my ideas makes them more relatable and impactful. While data is essential, storytelling connects people on an emotional level. Paint a vivid picture of the problem and the change you’re aiming to create. Help people see the story so they understand it—and want to support it.
6. Seize Opportunities to Be Heard
Even without a designated seat at the table, there are ways to make your voice heard. I found that speaking up in meetings, contributing to organisation-wide discussions, and engaging with leadership in informal settings allowed me to influence in different ways. Joining action groups, committees, and strategic projects gave me exposure and helped build the trust and respect needed to be heard.
7. Be Persistent and Adaptable
Rejection is part of the process. If your idea isn’t accepted immediately, gather feedback, refine your approach, and try again. Sometimes, timing and context need to shift before leadership is ready to adopt new initiatives. I’ve had many frustrating conversations over the years in leadership and volunteering, but I’ve learned that some ideas take off immediately, while others need time to gain traction.
Conclusion
Not having a seat at the senior leadership table doesn’t mean you can’t influence decisions or secure resources for your initiatives. By building credibility, leveraging influencers, aligning with business goals, and strategically positioning your ideas, you can drive meaningful impact. Influence is not about authority—it’s about demonstrating value, fostering relationships, and effectively communicating your vision. When you master these skills, you won’t need an official seat at the table to make a difference.