Influence VS Control
INFLUENCE TO FEEL MORE IN CONTROL
When we feel like something is not within our control, we experience insecurity. Control gives us a sense that things will be predictable. Uncertainty is unsettling.
But we know that not everything is within our control, and when we face an uncontrollable situation or person, we often give up. In resigning ourselves to the fact that we are not in control, we experience frustration and heightened feelings of insecurity.
Don’t give up. Instead of resigning yourself to not being in control, decide to create an influence strategy instead. By taking steps to influence decision-makers, we feel more in control. We are not allowing life to happen to us. We are engaging with those involved in a way that may prompt them to change their mind in our favor.
An influence strategy can include:
Having a discussion with a decision-maker to advocate for change.
Providing data on the subject.
Talking to colleagues about joining your cause.
Educating others on the topic and options.
Offering to make a presentation to key stakeholders.
Praying for God to provide you with wisdom on the topic and opportunities to share your views.
You get the picture. Influencing others using data, persuasive discussions, presentations, and thoughtful positioning can advance your cause and return some control and security to your well-being.
To help you separate the issues, below you will find a download for our Influence vs. Control Matrix that you can use to get started today.
Listen to our Founder, Rod Brace, Ph.D. share a little more about the Influence vs Control paradigm below: