FOCUS is needed to Influence

B. Kim Barnes, author of the book "Exercising Influence," said that to become an effective influencer, one must have FOCUS.

• Flexible
• Be open to alternative means for as long as the outcome goal shall be achieved.
• For example, this may include working with other groups, foster shared ownership, in order to achieve the goal.
  
  
• Observable
• Design in a way that you can see whether you are nearly achieving the goal or not, then adjust.
• Have a clear target that you can control like achieving a revenue target or target number of members.
  
  
• Courageous
• It must be optimistic, with a degree of success or failure risk, to make the effort worthwhile.
• Be ambitious in order to make it worthwhile, whether you succeed or fail.
  
  
• Useful
• Achieve longer term important results, not short term ego needs.
  
  
• Supportive
• Influence activities must be aligned with big picture goals.
  

Related post:

• 13 tactics to influence people
• Leadership is influence