The Benefits Of Establishing Trust And Building Influence
Influence is a critical tool for leaders when implementing changes within an organization.
The benefits of establishing trust and building influence should be of paramount importance for any general counsel especially during times of great change. Successfully implementing change can be a challenging process. Why is influence important in the change management process? Change often meets resistance from employees who are comfortable with the status quo. Influential leaders can persuade and motivate those employees to embrace the change by first explaining the benefits of change and addressing concerns. GCs who take the time and effort to establish trust and build influence within their organizations can be uniquely positioned to support the executive leadership during the change management process.
The GC Can Help Build Support
Influence helps garner support from key stakeholders, including senior leaders, middle managers, and front-line employees. When the GC supports the change, others in the organization may be more likely to follow suit.
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The GC Can Help Communicate
As a lawyer, the GC is trained in the art of persuasion and is often a skilled communicator. The GC can convey the vision and objectives of the change initiative clearly and persuasively, ensuring that everyone understands the rationale behind it. The GC can also effectively convey the benefits of change to employees by highlighting how it will streamline processes, improve outcomes, and ensure compliance.
The GC Can Inspire Trust And Credibility
Influence is closely tied to trust and credibility. GCs who inspire trust and credibility are ones who are open and honest when communicating (to the extent possible). They create channels for employees to ask questions or seek clarification on legal issues. They address concerns promptly and clearly, even if it means admitting they don’t have all the answers. GCs who are trusted and credible may be helpful in gaining buy-in from employees during times of change.
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The GC Can Facilitate Collaboration
Change often requires negotiation and collaboration with various departments and teams within an organization. Because the GC is often involved in facilitating discussions on a day-to-day basis, the GC is naturally suited for this role. When discussions become difficult, the GC can help bridge gaps and build consensus across the organization during times of change.
The GC Can Help Mitigate Fear And Uncertainty
Change often brings about fear and uncertainty. GCs who lead by example and promote a culture of ethical behavior throughout the organization are uniquely positioned to help alleviate the concerns that may come with change. When employees trust that the GC is committed to ensuring that the organization’s leadership is acting ethically and in the best interest of the organization and its constituents, the GC can help reduce fear and uncertainty of everyone involved in the process.
So …
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Influence is a critical tool for leaders when implementing changes within an organization. It enables them to guide, persuade, and inspire people to embrace and support the change, ultimately leading to successful outcomes and long-term organizational growth. Influence is not just about starting the change process. It is also about sustaining momentum. Influential leaders, including the GC, can keep employees engaged and committed throughout the entire change journey.
Leveraging your online presence to create influence is a great way to do this, and it involves building a strong and authentic personal brand, engaging with your audience, and strategically using various platforms to reach and impact your target audience. For many lawyers, LinkedIn has become the platform of choice.
For more on how to build influence inside and outside of your organization with a prominent LinkedIn profile, click here to join me on October 5, 2023, for Exigent Group Limited’s GC Forum webinar.
Lisa Lang is an in-house lawyer and thought leader who is passionate about all things in-house. She has recently launched a website and blog Why This, Not That™ (www.lawyerlisalang.com ) to serve as a resource for in-house lawyers. You can e-mail her at lisa@lawyerlisalang.com , connect with her on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawyerlisalang/) or follow her on Twitter (@lang_lawyer).
