There are certain aspects of human interaction that technology may never fully replace. One such aspect is the ability to influence without formal authority. While it’s true that advertising thrives on this principle, ultimately, decisions like purchasing a product or choosing entertainment content are deeply personal choices. Advertisements can nudge us, but the final decision rests with the individual.

Today, however, I want to explore the idea of influencing group decisions without formal authority. This isn’t just about business decisions; it’s about achieving collective goals, whether in a professional setting or elsewhere.

In my role as a product manager, I’ve often found myself relying more on influence than on direct authority to drive outcomes. My time at Microsoft’s CTO office particularly honed this skill.

Here’s a checklist I’ve developed for those moments when I need to rally cross-functional partners around a common objective:

• Good old 1:1’s, do them regularly: This is the single most powerful tool to influence and when done regularly can bring magical results.
• Take your partner for a ride with your vision, aspirations and dreams: People are drawn to stories and dreams. When you share your aspirations, you invite others to become stakeholders in your vision.
• Emphasize shared interests: Show that their success is intertwined with yours. Highlight how your goals align and how their customers benefit from your shared efforts.
• Ask leading questions to widen the horizon: Encourage broader thinking by asking questions that prompt reflection on collective success rather than individual gains.
• A small selfless gesture goes a long way: Small acts of kindness and support build trust far more effectively than any business transaction. This is not something you can do as a policy or a trick though.
• Foster healthy competition: Highlighting the successes of others can inspire friendly competition and motivate partners to excel.
• Don’t be afraid to talk about the elephant in the room: Don’t shy away from difficult conversations. Tackling challenges head-on demonstrates confidence and when done respectfully resolves the conflict.

Next time you’re herding cats, give these strategies a try. And don’t forget to share your own insights and experiences!”