There are times when you have to exert “power” over others.  Like when someone is ignoring the policies and downloading software that is not approved. This is when you need to address the issue.

Power really means influence.  Power is usually thought of as negative.  Power hungry managers fling orders and expect people to jump.  Power hungry political leaders may shave their ethics to get things done.

So what is an IT Leader to do?  Well, being power hungry would never do, but you do have to exert influence at just about every turn.

You may have to use any one of these or a few at the same time to get things done.  Some are better than others.

Positional Influence – You are in charge and you have a title.  If the title disappears, so does your influence.  This type of influence is all well and good, but it is really just pulling rank.  Getting people to do things because you are in charge may be effective in the short run, but is not the only type of influence a leader can wield, and not the best.

Project Influence – You are overseeing a task and can make things happen to get the job done.  Once the task is done, your influence is over.  IT Project leadership is very short lived  The person in charge of a task or project can control how quickly something might get done, but they must use this influence wisely. Daley progress and you might be seen as “controlling” – not good and still not the best influence you can have.

Knowledge Influence – You know more than others and can sway the decisions.  As long as you know more, you influence others.  This is one that the IT Leader must use, since most often they do know the most about the technology.  They may not be the most knowledgeable, but they have a well rounded perspective since they see all of the problems and have to find answers.  This kind of influence can be useful if not done in an overbearing or know it all manner.

Trade off Influence – You know more people than others and can pull in some favors.  You can often get things done because you know who to ask or how the systems works.  Knowing who to enlist in an effort can make the project go much better.  You trade assistance – help them and they help you.

Personal Influence – Your influence comes from who you are… your character.  Your deep seated convictions, values and perspectives that others respect and agree with.  This is where you want to be.  This is the most “influential” influence you can have.  You know you have it when people do things just because you asked.  You know you have it when people who do not work for you will do things to help get your job done. Don’t over use it. Make sure that you thank them. This is the best influence you can have, because no one can take away who you are.

IT Leaders have to nurture this kind of influence.