The Internal Sphere of Influence: Boss, Executive Leaders, Direct Reports, and All Your Staff

The internal sphere of influence focuses on those people you can have the most direct impact with: your boss, executive leaders, direct reports, and all your staff.

It is your responsibility to understand the goals and aspirations of your boss. First, you need to clarify when you don’t fully understand a directive. Then you need to determine your boss’s goals and how you align with them. Finally, figure out what you have to offer—and offer it.

The best way to align yourself with executive leadership is to understand the organization’s strategy and culture. Understanding your organization’s strategy and culture helps you better fit into the organization and work with leadership.

When you are the boss, you need to be a mentor, coach, visionary, cheerleader, confidant, guide, sage, trusted partner, and perspective keeper. It also helps to have a sense of humor.

When you lead an organization, it is crucial to articulate the organization’s values, set expectations, and establish mutual accountability. Then you can focus on creating a safe work ecosystem. You need to let your team leaders know you care about their success and growth and the success of their teams.

Seek to create a safe work ecosystem, especially if you inherit a wounded workgroup. Build a work environment where honesty and trust thrives. Let all your staff know you care about their success and the well-being of the organization.

You’ll begin to change the culture by establishing the values of the organization. This is a crucial step to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working toward the same goals.