Elevate: It’s Your Move

Building Influence When You’re Not in Charge

Not long ago, a candidate told us a story that stuck with us.

“After I submitted my resignation,” he said, “my boss came to me and said, ‘Please be careful what you say as you exit the organization. Your influence could bring this organization to its knees.’”

Here’s the thing—this candidate wasn’t the CEO. He wasn’t even the second-in-command.

And yet, his presence and voice held real weight.

It reminded us just how powerful influence can be, no matter your title.

Leadership isn’t about the words on your business card; it’s about the difference you make.

In most workplaces, the people driving progress and inspiring others aren’t always the ones at the top.

And even if you are a leader, there will be times when you’ll need to lead without leaning on your title. Think serving on a board, for instance, joining a cross-functional team, or stepping into a new environment where people don’t know you yet.

Influence comes first. People follow those they trust, respect, and believe in, not just those with “Chief” or “Vice President” in their signature.

In many cases, it’s the influence you build before a promotion that paves the way for it.

So, how do you lead from where you are? Start with three key levers:

1. Credibility – Deliver excellent work, on time, every time. Be the go-to person for solutions, not just questions. Each task done well strengthens the trust others have in you.
2. Relationships – Influence grows through connection. Take time to learn your colleagues’ goals, challenges, and work styles. Strong relationships create goodwill, and goodwill opens doors.
3. Communication – A great idea doesn’t matter if no one understands it. Learn to share your thoughts in ways that connect with what matters most to your audience.

Of course, there’s an art to leading without authority. Overstepping can rub people the wrong way, but so can holding back out of fear. The goal is collaboration, not control.

Here are a few ways to practice it:

• Bring solutions, not just problems. If you raise an issue, suggest at least one possible fix.
• Volunteer for challenging projects. Cross-department work expands your network and showcases your skills to a wider audience.
• Share credit generously. Recognizing others builds loyalty and strengthens your reputation.
• Ask thoughtful questions. Sometimes the best leadership comes from guiding people to the answer rather than telling them outright.

When you lead well without authority, good things happen. Projects run more smoothly. Colleagues feel more engaged. And leaders notice—even if you’re not angling for attention.

This often leads to more responsibility, and sometimes to promotions, without you ever having to ask.

It also makes stepping into a formal leadership role much easier. You’ll already have earned trust and respect, making the transition smoother and more effective.

The truth is, influence is a kind of leadership we can all practice—right now. You don’t have to wait for a title, a promotion, or permission.

Start building credibility, strengthening relationships, and honing your communication. Look for opportunities to contribute, collaborate, and quietly guide.

When you focus on building influence, you stop waiting for leadership opportunities to come your way and start creating them yourself.

Connect with us today and discover opportunities where your influence can shine.