Strategic Influence is the Power of Persuasion as a Leader

Tina-Schuricht • June 20, 2025

Share this article

Strategic influence is the power of persuasion as a leader.  Do you consider yourself a salesperson?  I never used to either.  I have been a lot of things…a COO, a leader, a manager, a marketer, an operator, a chief of staff, an entrepreneur, among many other roles…but I never considered myself a seller.  That was until I realized that I was selling every day .  I wasn’t selling products or tangible goods, but I was selling my ideas, my programs, my team members, my results – to my customers who were my bosses, my team members, my stakeholders, even my husband and my kids!  We sell all the time and oftentimes don’t even realize it.  And how do we sell?  We sell using our strategic influence.

This ability to exert strategic influence is a crucial skill for leaders, organizations, and individuals striving to shape opinions, drive decisions, and inspire action. Strategic influence goes beyond mere persuasion—it is the art of subtly guiding thoughts and behaviors to achieve long-term goals while fostering trust and credibility.

Understanding Strategic Influence

Strategic influence is rooted in psychology, communication, and leadership. It involves crafting compelling narratives, leveraging social dynamics, and employing persuasion techniques to motivate desired outcomes. Unlike manipulation, which prioritizes self-interest at the expense of ethics, strategic influence is founded on authenticity, mutual benefit, and sustainable relationships.

A key component of strategic influence is credibility . Whether in business negotiations, politics, or personal interactions, individuals and organizations must establish trustworthiness to exert influence effectively. Credibility is built through expertise, consistency, and integrity, ensuring that messages resonate with stakeholders.

The Principles of Strategic Influence

Several principles underpin effective strategic influence:

  1. Reciprocity: People tend to feel obligated to return favors. Thoughtful gestures, such as offering assistance or valuable insights, can foster goodwill and open the door to future influence.
  2. Social Proof: Individuals often look to others when making decisions. By showcasing widespread support or endorsements, influencers can strengthen their message’s impact.
  3. Authority: Demonstrating knowledge, experience, or leadership enhances credibility and reinforces the persuasive power of an argument.
  4. Consistency: People prefer to align with their previous commitments. Encouraging small initial agreements can pave the way for larger commitments.
  5. Emotional Appeal: Connecting with audiences on an emotional level makes messages more memorable and persuasive. Storytelling is an excellent tool for this purpose.
  6. Scarcity: Creating urgency or highlighting exclusivity enhances the perceived value of opportunities, driving quicker decision-making.

Applying Strategic Influence

Leaders, entrepreneurs, and managers use strategic influence to inspire teams, negotiate deals, and shape corporate culture. Successful leaders recognize the importance of clear messaging, transparency, and adaptability in fostering innovation and driving change.

Individuals can harness strategic influence to enhance relationships, build networks, and advance careers. Whether persuading colleagues, negotiating salaries, or inspiring peers, understanding the principles of influence can lead to greater success and fulfillment.

Ethical Consideration of Influence

While influence is a powerful tool, it must be wielded responsibly. Ethical influence prioritizes honesty, mutual respect, and societal well-being. Leaders and influencers must avoid coercion, misinformation, and exploitation, ensuring that their strategies contribute positively to communities and organizations.

Your Power of Persuasion

Strategic influence is the power of persuasion as a leader, and it is an essential skill for anyone seeking to effect meaningful change. By mastering persuasion techniques, fostering trust, and applying ethical principles, individuals and leaders can shape decisions, inspire action, and create lasting impact. In a rapidly evolving world, those who understand and harness strategic influence will find themselves at the forefront of leadership, innovation, and progress.  Reach out if you want to talk more about how coaches can help you build your strategic influence skills.

Recent Posts

Rediscover Passion in Your Career
By Tina Schuricht February 13, 2026
Reconnect with your purpose, embrace learning, build relationships, celebrate wins, and be open to change, to rediscover passion in your career and love what you do.
Staying Committed in February
By Tina Schuricht February 6, 2026
Revisit your “why,” break goals into manageable steps, build accountability, and celebrate success to sustain your momentum and turn your resolutions into realities.
Hand holding smartphone inside a cage, symbolizing addiction to technology. Yellow background.
By Tina Schuricht January 30, 2026
Taking a digital detox is an act of leadership that enhances effectiveness and fosters a more mindful, resilient, and innovative workplace.
Person in yellow hoodie and shorts sits on bench, head down, knees up, next to a basketball, chain-link fence in background.
By Tina Schuricht January 23, 2026
Reframing failure and using it as fuel for growth opens ourselves up to new possibilities and greater resilience to achieve what we desire. Our response matters.
Woman with a black shaker and bag walking on a track, smiling, outdoors.
By Tina Schuricht January 9, 2026
The power of micro-habits lies in their ability to bypass resistance and foster consistency leading to lasting change.
Woman with closed eyes frames face with outstretched hands.
By Tina Schuricht January 9, 2026
To move from burnout to boundaries, you must lead with grace - show up authentically, honor your limits, and invite others to do the same
Success Your Own Way
By Tina Schuricht December 24, 2025
Explore the fluid nature of achievement and how the definition of success evolves throughout different life stages from external markers toward internal ones.
Computer with Christmas lights draped around the screen and keyboard, on a desk in an office.
By Tina Schuricht December 12, 2025
The holiday season brings warmth, celebration, and connection—but for many neurodivergent professionals, it also introduces sensory overload, social pressure, and disrupted routines. As a leader, your ability to create inclusive environments during this time isn’t just compassionate—it’s strategic. Neurodivergent team members may experience the holidays differently due to sensitivities around noise, light, crowds, or changes in structure. By leading with awareness and adaptability, you can foster belonging while reducing unnecessary stress. Why Holidays Can Be Challenging for Neurodivergent Employees Sensory Overload: Office parties, decorations, music, and crowded spaces can be overwhelming. Social Expectations : Unspoken norms around gift exchanges, small talk, or group activities may feel confusing or exhausting. Routine Disruption : Shifts in schedules, travel, and year-end deadlines can heighten anxiety or executive functioning challenges. Masking Pressure : The pressure to “fit in” or appear festive can lead to emotional fatigue and burnout. Inclusive Strategies for Leaders Here’s how you can support neurodivergent team members with grace and intentionality: Offer Opt-In Social Events Make participation optional and clearly communicate that declining is welcome. Provide alternative ways to connect—like virtual gratitude walls or one-on-one appreciation notes. Create Sensory-Friendly Spaces If hosting in-person events, designate quiet zones. Avoid flashing lights, loud music, or strong scents. Ask for input on what feels comfortable. Respect Communication Preferences Some team members may prefer written updates over verbal announcements or need extra time to process changes. Use multiple formats and give advance notice for schedule shifts. Honor Routine and Flexibility Maintain predictable workflows where possible. Offer flexible hours, remote options, or asynchronous participation in holiday activities. Model Inclusive Language Avoid assumptions like “everyone loves this time of year.” Instead, acknowledge diverse experiences and invite open dialogue: “We know the holidays feel different for everyone—let us know how we can support you.” Educate and Empower Your Team Share resources on neurodiversity. Encourage peer learning and normalize accommodations as part of a thriving workplace culture. Leadership That Listens Inclusive leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. When you listen deeply, adapt thoughtfully, and lead with empathy, you create a workplace where every team member feels seen, respected, and safe to show up as they are.  This holiday season, let your leadership be a gift: one that honors difference, invites authenticity, and celebrates connection in all its forms. Reach out if you want to talk more about strategies to support all of your team members this holiday season.
By Tina Schuricht December 10, 2025
In this episode of Success Your Own Way , Alex Popp shares his inspiring shift from a successful R&D & Sourcing career at General Mills to purpose-driven entrepreneurship rooted in permaculture. After a spiritual awakening in 2022 shifted his trajectory, he left corporate life and founded PermaCulture Party in February 2024. Shortly after, he met his fiancé, Chanel, and together—they transform landscapes into foodscapes, host plant & dance parties, gift trees, plants and food forests to children through Neighborhood Forest, and cultivate eco-conscious-tourism through Airbnb experiences. Alex discusses how his definition of success evolved—from career milestones to heart-led impact, gratitude, and alignment with the natural world. Mentorship played a key role, from family and colleagues to permaculture guides and business coaches. He explains permaculture as a framework for living in harmony with Earth, guided by three ethics: People Care, Earth Care, and Fair Share. His proudest moments include proposing to Chanel and hosting a PermaCulture Party at Earth Vibe Festival, where his vision of planting a food forest while dancing and playing at a conscious festival came to life. Alex encourages listeners to: 🔥 Discover their soul’s purpose 🧘‍♂️ Use meditation to tune into intuition 💡 Plan wisely before making career shifts 🌱 Explore permaculture through books, videos, or design courses  His story is a powerful reminder to live intentionally, embrace abundance, and trust the journey.
By Tina Schuricht December 5, 2025
Let’s be honest, staying healthy during the holidays is challenging. And I’m not just talking about physical; maintaining your mental health can be a challenge, too. Between festive gatherings, travel, and year-end deadlines, it’s easy to lose sight of our well-being. The good news? With a few intentional choices, you can protect your physical and mental health while still embracing the spirit of the season. Prioritize Mental Health with Boundaries and Balance Set Realistic Expectations You don’t have to do it all. Choose what matters most—whether it’s quality time with loved ones, rest, or meaningful traditions—and let go of the rest. Perfection isn’t the goal; presence is. Schedule Downtime Block out time to recharge, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. Read, journal, take a walk, or simply breathe. Protecting your peace is a form of leadership. Say “No” with Kindness It’s okay to decline invitations or step back from obligations that drain you. A simple, “Thank you for thinking of me, but I’m not able to join this time,” honors both your needs and the relationship. Stay Connected—Your Way If large gatherings feel overwhelming, opt for smaller meetups or one-on-one check-ins. Connection doesn’t have to be loud or crowded to be meaningful. Support Physical Health with Gentle Consistency Move Your Body Daily You don’t need a gym or a perfect routine. Stretch in the morning, dance in the kitchen, or take a brisk walk after meals. Movement boosts mood, digestion, and energy. Hydrate and Nourish Amid holiday treats and toasts, don’t forget water and balanced meals. Start your day with a protein-rich breakfast and aim for colorful, whole foods when possible. Sleep Like It’s Sacred Late nights are common this time of year, but consistent sleep is key to immunity, focus, and emotional regulation. Try to keep a regular bedtime and wind down with calming rituals. Listen to Your Body Pay attention to signs of fatigue, tension, or overwhelm. Your body is wise—honor its cues with rest, movement, or support. Celebrate with Intention Health isn’t about restriction—it’s about alignment. What brings you joy? What helps you feel grounded? Whether it’s a quiet morning walk, a shared meal, or a moment of gratitude, let your celebrations reflect your values. And if this season feels heavy or complicated, know that you’re not alone. Reach out. Ask for help. Offer grace to yourself and others.  Because the most meaningful gift you can give—at home, at work, or in your community—is your whole, healthy self. Reach out if you want to talk more about how to maintain your health throughout this holiday season.
Show More