Impactful Influence: Relationship-First Leadership

Busy schedules and bulletproof technical skills often crowd out the quieter arts of leadership. This brief guide puts relationships, listening, and shared purpose back at the centre of influence—where they belong.

Rooting influence in real listening

Your inbox is overflowing with packed messages. Counter this noise by practising “presence over performance.”

·        Pause before replies; reflect on the client’s unspoken concerns.

·        Mirror key phrases back, showing genuine comprehension rather than hurried agreement.

·        Close each conversation with a concise summary so everyone leaves with the same mental file.

Everyday practices that build credibility

Building credibility is less about grand gestures and more about small, consistent behaviours that colleagues and clients learn to trust. Here’s how you can integrate authenticity and reliability into your daily working style:

1. 100-word email

When delegating tasks or making requests, limit yourself to a crisp, 100-word message.

·        How: Identify what needs doing, why it matters, and any key deadlines or resources.

·        Why it works: It respects people’s time, reduces confusion, and sets an example of clarity.

·        Tip: End with an “If you need clarity, just ask!” to encourage questions.

2. One-minute story

Enhance your meetings with a short, true anecdote or a reflection on topics such as teamwork, growth, or learning from a mistake.

·        How: Prepare a real work story; keep it warm but professional.

·        Why it works: Storytelling humanises you, breaks down hierarchy, and makes abstract values tangible.

·        Tip: Invite others to share, fostering a sense of mutual trust and openness.

3. Forward feedback loop

After each project milestone or key meeting, set up a “mini debrief”—two quick questions:

·        What worked well here?

·        What could we tweak next time?

·        How: Make this part of your project rhythm, whether in one-to-ones or team catch-ups.

·        Why it works: It shows openness to improvement, discourages blame, and encourages a learning culture.

·        Tip: Frame feedback positively and model receiving it graciously.

4. Consistent light touchpoints

Replace sporadic, intense check-ins with regular but brief interactions—a weekly five-minute call, a thoughtful comment on LinkedIn, or a congratulatory email when a colleague achieves something.

·        How: Schedule reminders if needed.

·        Why it works: It demonstrates reliability and attentiveness, both foundations of credibility.

·        Tip: Personalise your check-ins—reference a recent discussion or shared interest.

5. Public acknowledgement

Publicly recognising someone’s effort—whether in a meeting, an email thread, or via your professional network—amplifies not just their credibility, but your own as a generous, observant leader.

·        How: Be specific, name the contribution and its positive effect.

·        Why it works: It builds psychological safety and trust across your networks.

·        Tip: Make praise regular, but never generic.

6. Prompt—but not rushed—responses

Reply to important emails or messages within 24 hours, even if just to say you’ll respond more fully later.

·        How: Set aside two windows per day to handle key communications.

·        Why it works: Responsiveness signals respect and dependability.

·        Tip: Use your status (“In court this morning but will reply today”)—people value transparency.

By making these practices habitual, you reinforce your reputation as someone others can count on, who values the relationship as much as the result. In the long run, these seemingly small actions are what set trusted professionals apart from merely competent ones.

Mindset shifts for sustainable leadership

·        Move from broadcasting expertise to co-creating solutions with stakeholders.

·        View influence as a patient craft, similar to precedent research: the strongest arguments grow from solid groundwork.

·        Treat curiosity as a core competency; curiosity signals respect and invites deeper dialogue.

Increase your influence and impact

My Leadership & Influence coaching programmes at KJD Elevate weave structured reflection with real-world application—always tailored, never buzzword-laden.

Invest steadily in relationships today, and influence will follow as surely as precedent shapes case law.

Book a free discovery call and expolore my services designed with you at the heart.

FREE Discovery Call (30 minutes)

30

Book Now

Leadership & Influence Coaching

60

Book Now