Ten years ago, I wrote an article about the traits that distinguish truly influential people.
Back then, I wrote about the importance of long-term thinking, listening well, and showing respect. And while those qualities still matter, influence today has morphed into something more nuanced, more systemic, and, when used wisely, more powerful than ever.
Today, complexity is constant. Polarisation is rising. Expectations are sky-high. And through it all, influence remains one of the most essential, and yet misunderstood, leadership capabilities.
Influence isn’t about ego, manipulation, or charisma.
It’s about how you show up, how you relate, and what you enable in others. It can be used for self-promotion or to serve others. So influence isn’t inherently good or bad. Like power, it’s neutral. Its impact depends on the person’s intent when using it.
For me, it’s a lever to balance the scales. A way to ensure it’s not only the loudest or most extroverted voice that gets heard. It’s a force for good when it ensures better organisational decisions, stronger relationships, and wiser leadership.
It’s also a self-fulfilling practice. Tell yourself you can’t influence, and you likely won’t, because your thinking gets in the way. Your self-limiting belief will limit your impact. Alignment matters. Influence flows from your intent, how you perceive yourself, and the way your presence resonates with others.
So, with that in mind, here’s an updated list of what to focus on if you want to influence effectively in this age of rising ambiguity, noisy dialogue and heightened expectations, where leaders must adapt and perform in environments of constant disruption.
1. They take the long view and play the long game
Influential people don’t chase short-term wins that cost long-term credibility. They think beyond today’s transaction and consider the ripple effects of their actions across systems, platforms and people.
They understand that trust takes time to build and can be broken in an instant.
They also resist the temptation to overpromise; something our political leaders could take note of. As former Australian Federal Minister Alexander Downer noted, “It’s not that politicians today are worse than their predecessors, it’s that their promises have become completely unachievable.” Bear that in mind the next time you consider over-promising on what you will deliver or not being transparent about issues and challenges.
Influential leaders steer clear of miracle claims. Instead, they offer clarity, commitment and grounded hope.
2. They practise radical respect, especially under pressure
It’s easy to be courteous when things are calm. The sign of true influence is how you show up in the tough moments.
In workplaces saturated with stress, the ability to remain respectful is a superpower. Influential leaders treat every interaction as an opportunity to connect, regardless of rank or setting. They also understand the subtle influence of visual cues, tone and even attire.
Whether you like it or not, research shows your style choice can either boost or hinder perceptions of credibility and performance.
It’s about congruence. Influence rises when presence aligns with purpose.
3. They speak up, and do so skilfully
Influence isn’t just about having a voice or the loudest voice.
Linguistic research indicates that even subtle word choices affect how messages are received, particularly in emotionally charged or complex situations. Words shape how others feel and act.
Consequently, influence requires precision, knowing how and when to use your voice. Influential leaders don’t shout down dissent or dominate the dialogue. They challenge constructively, frame issues with clarity, and speak up for others who can’t.
They cut through the noise and reveal what matters.
4. They listen beyond the words
In a world of distractions, true listening is a rare and powerful skill. Influential people don’t just hear what’s said. They pay attention to tone, tempo and tension. They are attuned to the subtext.
They know when to stay silent, when to probe, and when to offer space. They listen to understand, not just to reply. They don’t just “hear people out”; they help people feel seen.
5. They build diverse thinking environments and adapt to context
Influential leaders curate their operating environment because they know that innovation doesn’t emerge from sameness.
Professor Linda Hill’s research on leadership for innovation reveals that influence in this context takes a different form. It’s not top-down control, but rather orchestrated collaboration around a shared purpose among diverse individuals. Leaders act more as facilitators, enabling others to contribute ideas, experiment, and learn together.
By contrast, leading for change demands vision and direction, so leaders must articulate where the organisation is headed and why.
Influential people adapt their approach to the context. They focus on what is needed most and create the conditions where difference and debate can thrive.
6. They surround themselves with contrast, not clones
Influence doesn’t grow in echo chambers. Influential leaders seek people who think differently, not just those with sharper technical skills. They invite perspectives that push them to rethink and expand their worldview.
They are comfortable not having all the answers because they accept that real influence is about asking better questions and welcoming challenge.
It’s not enough to hire people smarter than you. In today’s climate, you need people who see what you can’t. That’s how blind spots shrink and breakthroughs happen.
7. They normalise learning from mistakes
In fast-moving environments, getting it wrong is part of the game.
Influential people model healthy risk-taking, reflection and humility. They own their missteps, share their learning, and encourage others to do the same, without fear.
8. They pass the credit and hold the space
True influence isn’t about spotlight-hoarding. Influential leaders amplify the voices of others, especially those without a platform. They highlight effort, not just outcomes, and do it in a way that strengthens connection and commitment.
Influence expands when ego contracts. And yes, there are plenty of people who have influence and massive egos, but influence that is sustainable and focused on the long-term good has a collective focus, not an ego-centric individual focus.
9. They regulate themselves while reading the room
Self-awareness is foundational, but not enough. You also want to maintain situational awareness.
Influential leaders notice their triggers, moods, biases and emotional patterns. Most importantly, they can see how their behaviour lands on others because they tune in to what is going on around them.
They’re deliberate with their presence and careful with their power. They know that emotions are contagious, and so they consciously decide to be a stabilising force, not a source of noise, disruption and deflection.
10. They stand out, but it’s never just about them
Influential people don’t shrink themselves, but they don’t dominate either. They use their voice to align, their presence to connect, and their visibility to advance shared goals.
They understand that influence isn’t performative; it’s presence which is grounded, intentional, and generous.
Influence that lasts
We need influential leaders more than ever. Leaders who are willing to speak up, even when it’s hard. Those who strive for the long-term collective good. Influencing today requires a different approach.
It’s about discernment in a noisy world.
Clarity when emotions run high.
Consistency when promises fall short.
And care when others are struggling to be heard.
The best influence is regenerative. It doesn’t deplete. It energises and elevates.
So, if you’re wondering how to lead in this moment, start by considering how you influence.
If in doubt, ask yourself: How are you showing up? Who benefits from your influence? What are you stepping away from? And what legacy does your leadership leave behind?
Getting you ready for tomorrow, today®
Award-winning author and global workplace expert, Dr Michelle Gibbings, helps leaders, teams and organisations unlock strategic influence to accelerate progress.