Influence is not about titles, authority, or position.

It is built through behaviour.

In this episode, I break down how influence is actually created in real environments, and why the most influential people are often not the ones with the most power.

A common question is what influence really means. It is not control. It is not status. It is the ability to affect how others think, act, and respond. And that comes from how you consistently show up.

I explain why influence is earned, not given. People do not follow titles for long. They respond to trust. And trust is built through reliability, consistency, and how you contribute over time.

So how does influence grow? It starts with simple behaviours. Following through. Communicating clearly. Doing what you say you will do. These actions create predictability, and predictability builds confidence.

Consistency plays a key role here. When your behaviour is steady, people know what to expect. That makes it easier for them to trust your input, support your ideas, and involve you in decisions. Inconsistent behaviour does the opposite. It creates doubt and limits your impact.

I also break down one of the fastest ways to build influence. Adding value. When your actions improve outcomes, support others, or solve problems, people notice. And over time, that contribution builds your reputation.

This connects directly to role modelling. The way you operate becomes a reference point for others. When you maintain standards, take ownership, and act with clarity, those behaviours begin to shape the environment around you.

This builds on everything in the series so far. Values, standards, consistency, accountability, and trust. Influence is the result of applying all of these over time.

Because your reputation is not built on what you intend to do.

It is built on what people consistently experience from you.

If you want to be trusted, taken seriously, and given more opportunities, this episode will give you a practical way to start.

Because influence is not something you wait for.

It is something you build.

If this episode resonated, you can connect with me here:
https://au.linkedin.com/in/bryandance

Prefer to watch instead of listen? Full episodes are available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thelongwayforwardpodcast

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https://linktr.ee/thelongwayforward

00:05 What does influence at work really mean
01:20 Why is influence earned instead of given
02:40 How does reliability build influence
04:10 Why is consistency important for influence
05:30 How do you add value at work
07:00 Why does accountability increase influence
08:30 How does communication affect influence
10:10 What is one way to start building influence today

⏱️ Episode Breakdown