Using Social Influence as a Leadership Tool
In advertising there is a saying that emotion drives people to action. Meaning your advertising campaign
needs to resonate with viewers on a deeper level than simply logic. I would say the same is true of
effective leadership. Leadership does not have anything to do with seniority, executive title or personal
attributes. Leadership is utilizing social influence in order increase the efforts of others, towards the
achievement of organizational goals. Leadership requires social influence, but not necessarily authority.
Managers garner cooperation of subordinates through the use of their authority, but it does not make
them a leader. Effective leaders connect with and inspire others to achieve goals through teamwork.
Leaders should work as collaborators with team members to produce their best work and achieve
organizational goals. What are some ways you can utilize social influence to increase the effectiveness of
your leadership?
1. Develop a partnership mindset: It’s not a you versus them scenario. You and your employees
are partners. In order to get the work done everyone must do their part to make sure the
organizations goals are met. Therefore, an authoritarian mindset of “I am manager and these
underlings must do what I say” is an archaic and unproductive way to do business. As leader of a
team, you’re still a team member. A partnership mindset of the leader can influence the team to
take on ownership of their roles and outcomes in the organization.
2. Get to know your team members: In order to resonate on an emotional level and build trust
with your team, it requires building a relationship with them. When you understand each of your
team members and learn what they can do well, you can assign them the tasks they will likely
succeed in. Effective leaders get to know their team and use that connection to maximize
