There is a path in career advancement that isn't always easy to navigate – the spot between individual contributor and seasoned manager. How can you be an influence at work when you don't have authority? Communicating and influencing effectively requires shifting from a tactical mindset to a more strategic view. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS SVP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and Sally Williamson, CEO of Sally Williamson & Associates, Executive Coach, Executive Presence Expert, Author, Speaker and Storyteller. Together, they consider how to influence outcomes and build credibility to move forward, particularly when authority isn't part of your title or role.

Episode Insights Include:

Making your influence a top 2026 priority

• Functional lanes are constantly shifting, and you need to shift with them.

• Companies want employees who are willing to think outside their lane.

• Fresh ideas are always welcome, but not always clearly defined by role.

• Influence is key in making your voice heard.

• Breaking down lanes is critical to collaboration.

Supporting vs. partnering on outcomes

• Centers of excellence support an operating function.

• As long as experts stay solely in their lane, true collaboration can't happen.

• Stop supporting outcomes exclusively, and start partnering with leaders of operating functions.

• Doing so will add value to the ultimate outcome.

Exercises that expand this skill

• Learn how to attach to someone else's value.

• Identify a leader's big goals to stretch your offering to meet their value.

• Ask curious questions that expand your understanding of the overarching vision.

Overcoming common challenges

• Expand your focus from the day-to-day reactions to a larger vision.

• Consider what you can contribute beyond the task list.

• Reframe your language about your contributions.

• Focus less on your task takeaways and more on what you contribute to the conversation.

Senior leader shifts

• Bring people along with your big ideas and initiatives.

• Invite others to join you in the big picture story.

• Align others in the journey that leads to what you are trying to accomplish.

• Influence and alignment should be synonymous.

• Leaders can unlock the power of what others can contribute.

• "Stay in your lane" should never be the message from a leader.

Building influence as an introvert or new team member

• Introverts aren't tentative in their thoughts, they may be tentative to share it.

• Consider asking another person to share your thoughts on your behalf.

• New team members only get a few chances to influence at the beginning.

• Show, above all else, that you can work well with others.

• Ask questions that show clarity.

• You didn't miss your chance in the meeting; send follow-up emails.

• Influence is in the eyes of others, as is resistance – proceed strategically.

This podcast is powered by FCCS.

Resources

Connect with Sally Williamson – Sally Williamson

Get in touch

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"Leaders want you in the room for how you think, not just the tasks that you'll take away." — Sally Williamson

"Focus less on what you take away as a task and more on what you contribute as a part of the conversation." — Sally Williamson

"Influence doesn't mean calling the decisions. It's creating the environment where a group gets to a decision." — Sally Williamson

"All of us are bigger than the roles we're in. Shift from what you do to how you think." — Sally Williamson