How do you influence others to change, especially when you don’t have positional authority?

You don’t.

Find out what to do instead on today’s episode of the Consulting Matters podcast.

I've been getting into the real systemic issues on the Consulting Matters podcast that make our influence with clients harder than we might think.

A couple of weeks ago, I got into the differences between stakeholder and shareholder capitalism.

Last week, I had Bob Emiliani on the show to share his research on the differences between progressive and classical management.

If you missed them and are curious about the real issues that stand in the way of the people-centered work environments and societal systems we long for, check them out here.

My goal wasn't to bum anyone out but to give a reality check of the limits of our influence and how to care, just not too much.

But today, I want to end this mini-podcast series with some guidance on how to find the wins we can, because even if we can’t change everything... we can create influence with C.A.R.E.

My C.A.R.E. framework summarizes my approach to persuasion, which is:

Influence is persuading people to make decisions and choices that serve their best interests and the best interests of others.

It’s not about convincing others to want what I want or trying to create buy-in for a change that comes down from on-high and could serve the company in the short-term, but harm it and others in the long-term.

In this episode you'll hear:

How to ask great questions that get beyond surface-level information to make clients feel seen and understood

How to encourage right actions that align with what is your client wants, what is in the best interest of themselves and the realm they are responsible for AND give them the that they have what it takes to succeed

Influence is a powerful skill that can be used for good or bad, depending on who you’re trying to convince and why, and whose interest it serves.

But in the hands of a purpose-driven consultant or coach, without positional authority, this is where and how we get our wins.

Tune in to learn how to influence with C.A.R.E.

00:00 Influencing Change Without Authority
07:31 The CARE Model: Connecting with Clients
15:42 Asking Great Questions and Deep Listening
21:44 Reframing Perspectives for Clarity
29:22 Encouraging Right Actions for Change

1. Practice C.A.R.E. with your next client: Pick one element—Connect, Ask, Reframe, or Encourage—and focus on doing it exceptionally well in your next conversation.

2. Join the Common Good Consulting & Coaching Consortium: This is your last week to get on the interest list. Go to www.betsyjordyn.com/common-good.

3. If you need help positioning yourself for greater influence with clients: Learn more about my VIP programs or book a call at www.betsyjordyn.com.

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About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services