At the top levels of healthcare leadership, responsibility is a given, but respect is not automatic. While many executives believe that a C-suite title provides influence implicitly, this is not the case.

<h2>The importance of motivating and inspiring, vs just managing</h2>

<div>
  <p>
    At the top levels of healthcare leadership, responsibility is a given, but
    respect is not automatic. While many executives believe that a C-suite title
    provides influence implicitly, this is not the case. Leadership and
    influence are very different things; while leadership suggests the
    responsibility of managing others, influence is the ability to inspire,
    produce results and drive change.
  </p>

  <p>
    True influencers are effective change agents with the skills to anticipate
    and manage the many levels on which people are impacted by change, while
    balancing all aspects of the organization also affected by change. Even
    during times of transition, effective influencers do not dictate; they
    motivate and inspire. To enhance your ability to influence your team, ask
    yourself these four questions:
  </p>

  <h3>Do you understand the audience you wish to influence?</h3>

  <p>
    It takes time and effort to learn about the people on your team, but this is
    time well spent. If you understand your team, you are able to leverage their
    passions, ideas and personalities as you work to inspire them to execute
    your vision for your organization. It is also important to embrace the
    politics of your organization in order to advance your strategic
    initiatives; learn about the system in place, the culture and the
    individuals in order to elevate your value in the eyes of the team.
  </p>

  <h3>Do the people on your team like you?</h3>

  <p>
    People respond best to those who they view in a positive light. This does
    not mean becoming a &ldquo;friend&rdquo; to your team members, it means
    behaving as a connected and empathetic leader. When you reflect on your
    relationship with your team, identify if there are ways you need to change
    your communication style to better demonstrate your vision. Do not be afraid
    to conduct honest, authentic self-promotion in order to ensure your message
    gets through.
  </p>

  <h3>Does your team feel supported?</h3>

  <p>
    If your team does not see your commitment to their interests, they will be
    difficult to inspire and may find it hard to trust you. Earning trust is a
    critical point, as more people are willing to try new things when guided by
    someone they trust. People are also best influenced by those they can depend
    on; your team will be inspired and motivated to execute for you if they see
    your confidence in them. Work to move barriers to success, communicate
    openly, offer feedback and recognition and provide support, individually and
    to the team.
  </p>

  <h3>Do you lead by example?</h3>

  <p>
    Living your values and demonstrating a commitment to your goals will inspire
    your team members to do the same. People want to follow someone who is
    blazing a path, not sitting on the sidelines. Bring in your network of
    contacts, demonstrate your scope of experience and clearly state your plans
    for the future. Position yourself as an executive with a strong sense of
    purpose and a plan to achieve long-term goals. This will gain confidence in
    you as a leader and achieve buy-in for your organizational vision.
  </p>

  <p>
    Influence is not about driving employees&rsquo; actions &ndash; it is about
    winning over their hearts and minds. Taking the time to answer these
    questions and create an action plan where needed will allow you to move
    forward as a leader who gains stronger influence over your team. Once you
    have your plan in place, set up check-points to promote accountability and
    ways to measure success. Leaders who use influence, rather than the
    authority of their title, to gain buy-in, drive change and establish
    strategic goals are setting their team up for success.
  </p>

  <p>
    While great organizations recognize the need for top tier leadership,
    forward-thinking organizations understand the need to put processes in place
    to intentionally cultivate that leadership. Organizations with skilled
    leaders focus on innovation and quality, allowing productivity to flourish
    and creating a culture where employees feel motivated and empowered.
  </p>

  <p>
    To learn more about successful leadership strategies or to discuss your
    organization&rsquo;s leadership goals,
    <a href="/sites/cejka/contact-us">contact the Cejka Search team here</a>.
  </p>
</div>


Influence vs. Leadership: New Ways to Inspire Your Team