Build Influence Without Being Seen as a Threat (Part 3 of 3): Optimism That Future-Casts a Joint Win
In Parts 1 and 2, we built trust with Strategic Empathy and Curiosity that Creates Trust. Now we complete the ECO Mindset Model with Optimism⌠not Pollyanna positivity, but a clear, credible future-cast that aligns what you want, what they need, and what the organization must achieve.Â
Why Optimism (and What It Is Not).
Optimism is the discipline of communicating a shared vision, better future, and the path to get there. It acknowledges real pressure and loss-pain, but refuses to leave anyone in that valley. Bring them up to a concrete âwhat good looks likeâ vision, so the conversation ends on a crescendo and forward motion.Â
Future-cast the Win (for Them, You, and the Business).
Once youâve validated whatâs at risk, ask: âIf the end of Q4 were a 10/10, what would need to be true?â Then paint the joint outcome: what gets protected, what advances, what success metrics weâll see. This shifts the room from defensiveness to determination.Â
Use âWe/Us/Letâsâ to Create Kinship.
Langua...
Build Influence Without Being Seen as a Threat (Part 1 of 3): Strategic Empathy
If youâve ever shared a strong idea and felt the room tense or held back because you "didnât want to step on your bossâs toes," youâre not alone. Your voice matters A LOT, so letâs make sure itâs heard, valued, and respected. This series is doing just that while ensuring you are not held back or blocked by being perceived as a threat: Strategic Empathy.
Why âstrategic empathyâ?
Strategic Empathy isnât just kindness, itâs preparation. It shows you understand and care what matters to the person (their priorities, pressures, and wins). When people feel seen and understood, they feel safe and therefore more open to your ideas, input, and requests. Strategic empathy is the runway to have your influence take off.
Plan as if youâre in their seat.
Before a key conversation, step into their role and ask:
- Whatâs mission-critical for them this quarter?
- Whatâs at risk (budget, headcount, credibility, timeline)?
- What would make this quarter a 10+?
Shape your message to help them win. L...
Empathy for High Performance - an interview with Deep Mahajan, Vice President of Talent Management at Juniper Networks
In the latest Fearless Female Leadership episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Deep Mahajan, Vice President of Talent Management at Juniper Networks, about the transformative power of empathy in the workplaceâand how itâs anything but a âsoftâ skill. Deep shared her personal journey, the pivotal influence of her father, and how empathy is not only a moral imperative but a performance-driving force within high-achieving organizations.
Deep's leadership philosophy began taking shape in a small town in Rajasthan, India, where she watched her fatherâat the peak of his career as a surgeonâpivot to a life of service. His courageous example inspired her to choose a people-centered path, ultimately leading her to the world of talent development and performance strategy.
Throughout her career, Deep challenged conventional norms and followed a purpose-led approach, opting for authenticity and human-centric design over prestige or tradition. Her commitment to building empathetic systems ...
The Value of Empathy - an Interview with Michelle Jewell, Global Head of Leadership Development at ThoughtWorks
In the latest Fearless Female Leadership podcast interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Michelle Jewell, Global Head of Leadership Development at ThoughtWorks, about the power of empathy in leadership and why itâs far more than just a âsoft skill.â Michelle shared incredible insights on how empathy drives influence, enhances team performance, and creates a lasting impact on workplace culture.
Michelleâs journey to leadership has been filled with unexpected twists, from starting her career in consulting to making bold leaps into roles that didnât even exist yet. Through creative problem-solving and an unwavering commitment to understanding people, she has built a career rooted in leadership development and talent growth.
One of Michelleâs core messages is that empathy isnât just about being kindâitâs a strategic advantage. She highlighted how leaders who deeply understand their teams can drive engagement, reduce turnover, and improve overall business outcomes. Whether youâre ...
Mastering the Art of the Ask for Women in the Workplace
Growing up, I used to go with my dad to drop off and pick up the clothes at the neighborhood laundromat. Whenever he lost his ticket to claim his clothes, the laundromat owner would say: âNo ticket, no wash.â And she was not kidding!
When it comes to building visibility, impact, and the support from your leadership, if you donât ask, youâre likely not going to get.Â
This is a double whammy because our male counterparts tend to be 4 times more likely to make an ask for a raise or a higher salary when initially hired according to Women Don't Ask by Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever.
If this sounds familiar, the good news is that youâre certainly not alone. The not so good news is that you could be losing out on $1,000,000.00 during the course of your career according to the recent UC Davis study, titled Women Don't Ask: Negotiation and the Great Gender Divide.
The ability to effectively make an ask is a valuable skill that can open doors, forge partnerships, and propel careers forward...
Mental Preparation Prior to Influencing Under Pressure
Navigating high-pressure situations in the corporate world demands more than just skill - it requires mastery in the art of influence. As leaders, especially women leaders, itâs essential to communicate with clarity and impact.
Introducing the "ECO" Mindset Model â a transformative approach to influencing under pressure:
"E"mpathy: Step into their shoes. Understand their pressures and motivations.
"C"uriosity: Cultivate genuine interest in their perspective, wrapped in compassion.
"O"ptimism: Envision the best outcome. Let positivity guide your decisions.
Interested in refining your influence skills or seeking guidance on your leadership journey? Iâm here to support and guide you. Feel free to send me a message for insights on leadership and influence â letâs elevate your leadership together.
Enjoy the video, or you can listen in on my podcast here.
Need Leadership's Buy-in? Take Control with These 4 Strategies
Need Leadership's Buy-in? Take Control with These 4 Strategies
Have you ever had that brief yet vitally important window of time to speak with your leadership or board only to let your emotions get the best of you and feel disappointed at the outcome?
Whether negotiating an offer for a new title, a monetary raise, promotion, or buy-in on an idea, itâs vital to prepare your mindset AND that of your counterpart.
Here are a few tips to make sure you feel in control of your next crucial conversation:
- Have an ECO Mindset prior to entering into any high-stakes conversation. (Have "E"mpathy for the other, "C"uriosity for what he/she might feel/be experiencing, and "O"ptimism for how youâd like the conversation to turn out). If youâre not feeling the love, postpone the conversation. Anger and frustration, while 100% understandable, will likely come out in your tone/gesture which will not be helpful to your cause.
- Begin with acknowledging the otherâs perspective. Be as detailed as possib ...
4 Things to Avoid When Asking for What You're Worth
4 Things to Avoid When Asking for What You're Worth
Have you ever felt like (or had the facts) another colleague is being paid more for an equal or lesser role?
The good news is that youâre not alone. The bad news is that it can be very unfair, disrespectful, demotivating, and bad for business.
You may be thinking that this shouldnât even be an issue, and that there should not be a discrepancy. Agreed 100%.
But, until pay transparency is more regulated and more systems are in place to manage this very real problem, it may be time to speak up! If you already have, a few new tools could make all the difference for round 2.
Yes, itâs going to take time to get further down this road on pay equality, so it may be helpful to get comfortable (or I should say, confident and influential) about asking for what you are worth.
There is progress being made however for pay transparency and fairness, partially in thanks to pay transparency advocate and former Corporate VP, One Commercial Partner at ...
No Tricks, Just a Treat!
"3 Strategies for Women to Take Control of Their Visibility and Impact"
Have you ever had the courage to speak up in a crucial conversation or to your leadership and then felt like someone pooped in your cereal? (I know thatâs gross, but I cannot take credit! A recent C-level client said it yesterday:).
If so, I am EXTREMELY excited to share this with YOU! On November 5, Iâll be hosting a global live masterclass for VMwareâs 6000 member Women in Leadership group, and I wanted to give my Limitless Leader family access to these important tools!
So, hereâs the treat...:ghost:
A sneak peek of the outline...
Why?
Because itâs YOUR time to speak up, be heard, and share your unique area of genius even more.
While we have come a long way in terms of equality for women in the workplace, we are not there yet and likely will not be in our lifetime.
According to the recent (September 27, 2021) McKinsey report, 1 in 3 women are considering leaving the workplace.
âWomen are rising to the mo...
Podcast Episode #75: "The Importance of Empathetic Leadership" - an Interview with Lindsay Zwart
The Importance of Empathetic Leadership
In case you missed my LIVE interview with the remarkable Lindsay Zwart (Chief Enterprise Officer and Director, Vodafone), here are a few of the wisdom gems she shared:
- Leading with compassion and empathy is what sets women apart. We canât begin to understand what our customers and our team require without understanding where theyâre coming from.
- You need to cut yourself a break and know that as much as you want to do everything, you donât need to do everything. Pick what will be the best for you to engage and have the best outcome.
- You are the outcome. If you put the right structures in place, you can find the right balance that you need. Because work will continue calling, part of it, is accountability on understanding itâs on you as well to not take on more.
- It is imperative to ask for help when needed. Thereâs no shame in that. Bringing smart brains together, bringing the collaboration of minds can get you the better outcome.
- Importanc ...
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