Expanding Your Sphere of Influence in Your Organization
When clients tell me they want to have more influence in their organization, I always ask about their sphere of influence. Their goals may vary—some want to feel more valued and have a greater impact, while others seek promotion or a transition into a new role.
I often hear similar responses when I ask about their current level of influence:
- “I’m an introvert and not comfortable with networking, being political, or positioning myself.”
- “I have a strong reputation within my business area, but I’m not well-known across the organization. I’ve been so focused on keeping our house in order.”
My response is always the same:
If people don’t know about you, they can’t see your value, refer you, or consider you for new opportunities.
When you decide it’s time to make a move in your organization, you want to have already optimized your chances of hearing about opportunities. You want to be top of mind when leadership is forming committees, launching major initiatives, or filling key roles.
Redefining Networking: Influence Without Politics
The first step to increasing your sphere of influence is shifting your perspective on networking. Many professionals view it as self-serving, political, or agenda-driven. Instead, think of networking as an opportunity to:
- Enhance your leadership by gaining broader insights into the organization.
- Better support and develop your team by understanding cross-functional challenges.
- Provide greater value to the organization through collaboration.
A simple way to start is by reaching out to leaders in other departments. You can say:
“I’d love to learn more about your role, challenges, and priorities to better understand how our teams intersect. My goal is to think more strategically and identify ways we can collaborate.”
If it feels uncomfortable, you can even position it as a development goal from your leader. Many of my clients have said, “My boss wants me to expand my relationships and influence in the company.”
Strategies to Expand Your Sphere of Influence
1. Build Strategic Relationships
- Find a Mentor or Sponsor – Identify influential leaders who can guide and advocate for you.
- Be a Connector – Introduce colleagues when there’s mutual benefit.
2. Increase Your Visibility
- Speak Up in Meetings – Share insights, ask thoughtful questions, and contribute solutions.
- Lead Initiatives – Volunteer for cross-functional projects or committees.
- Leverage Internal Communication Channels – Share insights on internal forums or Slack.
3. Develop a Reputation for Value-Adding Contributions
- Be a Problem-Solver – Offer solutions, not just point out issues.
- Share Knowledge – Host lunch-and-learn sessions or create useful resources.
- Recognize Others – Publicly acknowledge team members’ achievements.
4. Engage in Informal Networking
- Attend Company Events – Participate in town halls, happy hours, or team outings.
- Have Coffee Chats – Schedule casual one-on-one meetings with colleagues.
- Join Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) – Get involved in internal communities.
5. Strengthen Your Digital Presence Internally
- Engage on Internal Social Platforms – Contribute to discussions and leadership posts.
- Host Virtual Meetups – If remote or hybrid, create informal networking opportunities.
6. Align with Key Decision-Makers
- Understand Leadership Priorities – Align your work with company goals.
- Support Their Initiatives – Get involved in strategic projects.
- Seek Feedback Regularly – Ask how you can contribute more effectively.
Final Thought
Expanding your influence isn’t about self-promotion—it’s about building relationships, adding value, and increasing visibility in a way that feels natural to you. When you focus on helping others and understanding their challenges, you organically become someone they think of when opportunities arise.
By implementing these strategies, you’ll optimize your ability to identify new career options, leadership opportunities, and pathways for growth.
