One of the critical challenges facing leaders today, at all levels, is how to influence people more senior than themselves, including their bosses and boards. Getting your point across and communicating persuasively with people in more senior positions is a vital workplace skill that you should continuously develop and sharpen. 

How to Influence Upwards

The ability to influence upward is a learned skill and gets better with practice. If you are looking out for things you could do to hone this skill and get better results in your communication with superiors, here are some of the things to do:

#1. Understand what Makes Your Leader Tick

Every leader has a set of goals and objectives that they seek to achieve. These goals make the leader tick, and they would be favorably disposed to ideas that will champion the actualization of the said goal. Therefore, it is crucial to take out time to understand your leaders' vision, goals, and plans.

When you can identify these goals and communicate your proposition that shows it will advance them, you are several steps closer to getting favorable responses from them.

#2. Emphasize the Benefits of Your Ideas

Every rational boss would want to take action to maximize profits and reduce losses. Therefore, they will likely kick against any idea with high-risk potential. Bearing this in mind, the way you communicate your initiative will go a long way in determining whether it is accepted or not. 

When pitching your idea, emphasize the benefits and show how these benefits far outweigh any risk or cost that may arise from it. Carrying out an in-depth cost and benefit analysis will help you convince your boss using verifiable data.

#3. Apply an "Unless Directed Otherwise" Mindset

Sometimes, your boss may not give explicit consent. Taking this stance is a smart option that enables you to ask for permission without actually asking for it. For example, you can send your boss an email instead of asking in person.

In the email, you will state your proposition and outline the actions you intend to carry out. Also, include that you are going ahead with your initiative unless your boss says otherwise. That way, you will be able to initiate action without directly asking for permission.

Bottom Line

Being able to influence upward has a lot to do with your communication skills and less to do with your boss's disposition towards you. If you haven't been getting your desired response, it may indicate that you are not presenting your initiatives the right way.