The Most Underrated Way to Influence People at Work

The most underrated way to influence people at work: do it first.

Early in my career, when I needed help, I'd ask like this: "I'm trying to do X, but I'm not sure how. Can you help me?" But this is not a very productive approach.

Now instead of asking someone to start from zero, I take a first stab myself, even when I'm not confident I'm doing it right.

For example. If I'm working on a deal and need help determining the accounting gain or loss on a transaction, there are two ways I can approach the technical accounting team.

Version 1: "Hey, can you help me calculate the gain or loss on this?" Version 2: "Hey, I took a first stab at the gain/loss calculation based on my understanding. Can you help me sanity check this and fill in any gaps?"

Version 2 almost always gets faster, better help.

People are far more likely to help steer a moving car than push a stalled one. If you want to influence others, you have to be the one to put the car in drive. Even when your first attempt is imperfect, it creates momentum.

Influence doesn't always come from authority. Often, it comes from being willing to go first.