The Influencer
Previous generations would have called them radicals, today they would probably be called influencers.Maybe it’s the combination of experience and passion, maybe it’s their different way of looking at things or their willingness to challenge the accepted orthodoxy but colleagues are interested in what they have to say. Not always appreciated(by the leadership ) they are some times labelled ,”awkward “. But ignoring influencers is risky they can sway opinion , affect motivation and have an impact on morale . Wise managers channel the enthusiasm and inventiveness .Progressive organisation tap into the forward thinking.
In the social media world influencers have a bad name for peddling disinformation but in referring to influencers in organisations I am not referring to gossip mongers or conspiracy theorists I am referring to individuals within teams and organisations who come up with radical ideas. They are often at the forefront of new thinking. They do not hold a position of power within the organisation. They know the job from the ground up so they speak from experience which is why colleagues listen to them. They can be opinionated and their outspokenness can sometimes be viewed as unhelpful but with the right management they can be a real benefit to the team and organisation.
One of the most radical practitioners I worked with dressed very conservatively , defiantly didn’t aspire to be trendy or look like someone who wanted to be seen as different, it was his ideas that were different not the way he dressed. Despite extensive experience, knowledge and skills he had no desire to be a manager preferring not to have the restrictions on expressing his views. He did after many years as a practitioner move to a policy post in the belief he would be able to have access to a wider audience. From this position he continued to influence thinking in the organisation.
Influencers like prophets are not always recognised in their own land( organisation) which is why some take to writing articles for the professional press or writing a blog. It is often more acceptable to be outspoken and opinionated outside of the organisation but no less influential for making it clear that the views and ideas being expressed are personal and not those of the organisation.
Such a shame though if such an employee has more influence on other organisations than their own.
Blair Mcpherson former director author and blogger www.blairmcpherson.co.uk
