Identifying Key Players
Influential people
These are not necessarily people in high places. If you have a wide range of contacts, you will find that some people who are not in powerful positions of seniority can wield considerable power. Let me offer two examples.
So small talk can make a big difference:
- Be prepared to think laterally to solve problems.
- Remember a small piece of information can make a huge amount of difference.
- Powerful personal connections doesn’t mean getting to know just ‘the great and the good’.
- Pay attention to everyone and discover their individual strengths.
- Sometimes a valuable piece of information can come from the most unlikely source.
Movers And Shakers
They usually far exceed the boundaries of their office positions. They make it their business to see and be seen. Identify them among your contacts, as they are important to keep track of – you never know where they are going to turn up next.
Corporate Citizens
These are the hardworking, non-political types, who are great resources for information and advice.
They usually know the inside and outside of their business, their department and most personnel. If you nurture them and seek their advice when appropriate, they will be flattered. Better to ask them than find them saying afterwards, If only you’d asked me, I could have told you that.’
Keep an eye out for fire-fighters, vetoers and whiners. They are best avoided!
Types Of People
Some people you know may be highly task-aware, while others are more people-oriented. You will build your most valuable connections with people who like dealing with other people.
Roadrunners
They are usually highly task-aware and will not let anyone stand in their way to achieve targets. They can be quite dangerous and it is wise to let them pass if you find you are in their way. Otherwise you could be roughly elbowed aside or, worse still, flattened as they rush past.
Racehorses
They get things done fast but like to ask others to help
them – they’re very good at team work. A race-horse is a valuable asset in any group. They are strong and capable and can achieve great things. Harness them to the right group and you will have a winning combination.
New Pups
You must know some of these. They are the most people-oriented types and prefer to be with others rather than alone. However they often have fairly low awareness of the importance of getting things done and are not the best at keeping to deadlines. Charming, friendly and extremely social though they may be, you need to be aware of their weaknesses – such as not finishing work on time.
Tomcats
They prefer to be left alone to get on with their work. They are independent, and are unaware of other people and the importance of teams. Some of them are boffins (lonely geniuses) and produce amazing results. They are often in a world of their own and happiest in their own company.
Persuasion Techniques
Some people use a bit of psychology when dealing with others. One theory is that people have different energies and are therefore represented by a colour. There are four main types:
Cool blue. They are usually regarded as the aloof types. They can be cautious, precise, deliberate and formal. You will find they are a bit distant and hold off getting close to people. If you are trying to work with them, or influence them, you will need to plan carefully and work on them slowly.
Fiery red. These people are pretty much the opposite of the blues. They are competitive, demanding, determined and strong willed. They will reach their goals whatever it takes, even if they have to knock you out of the way in order to do so, like road runners. If you are one of these, you might have to tone down your actions if you want to get ahead with the help of other people.
Sunshine yellow. Yellows are sociable, dynamic, demonstrative, enthusiastic and persuasive. What lovely people they are – an asset to any organisation or group. They have natural charisma and are able to shine in any situation. People naturally gravitate towards them and they are at ease in most situations. They’re valued members of the team and they help keep morale high amongst colleagues. No matter how difficult the job is, they try to see things in a positive light.
Earth green. These are the caring, sharing, encouraging, compassionate and patient individuals. You probably know a number of them. They are kind and helpful and just can’t help it! If you’ve got a green tinge, you’re the
one in the office who always has the headache tablets, doesn’t forget to water the plants and remembers colleagues’ children’s birthdays, even when they forget!