You’re getting ready for a tough conversation. Maybe it’s a check-in with a team member who’s falling behind, a peer who keeps missing deadlines, or a leader you need to push back on (carefully). You’ve got the facts lined up. You know what you want to say.

But have you paused to think about what that conversation might say about you?

Here’s a coaching question worth considering:

When was the last time you proactively considered how a key communication could impact your reputation or influence? What steps did you take—or plan to take—to ensure that the impact is positive? How did you adjust your communication style depending on who you were talking to?

That’s not just reflection—it’s strategy. Because leadership isn’t about having authority, it’s about building influence.

And communication is your most powerful tool

Influence Without Authority: A Must-Have Leadership Skill

Influence often gets mistaken for something you earn through title or tenure. But some of the most impactful leaders don’t rely on either.

Think of:

A project manager who coordinates cross-functional work but doesn’t manage anyone directly.
A subject matter expert who earns trust through credibility and insight.
An individual contributor who presents compelling ideas and gains buy-in from stakeholders.

These people succeed not because of formal authority, but because of how they communicate.

That’s not luck. It’s skill. And it’s one every manager can learn.

Communication Flows in All Directions

As a manager, your communication doesn’t just flow one way. You operate in multiple directions—each with a different audience and purpose:

Downward – To your team. Think direction, coaching, and feedback.
Horizontal – To peers. Think collaboration, accountability, and shared ownership.
Upward – To leaders. Think updates, influence, and visibility.

Each direction requires a shift in tone, timing, and intention. The more you adapt, the more influential your message becomes.

Why Communication Shapes Your Influence

When done well, communication builds more than clarity—it builds connection. It allows you to:

Build trust and rapport
Motivate action
Strengthen relationships
Facilitate collaboration
Resolve conflicts
Move work forward more smoothly

In short, strong communication reinforces your leadership presence.

Planning for Impact: The Conversation Strategy

If you want to communicate with influence, don’t wing it. Plan it.

(Adapted from Influence Without Authority by Allan Cohen and David Bradford)

Here’s a simple four-part approach:

1. Understand your audience

What do they care about? What motivates or concerns them? What’s their communication style?

2. Frame your message

Tie your message to their interests and to broader organizational goals. Make it matter.

3. Anticipate objections

Consider where they might push back—and plan how you’ll respond without becoming defensive.

4. Practice your delivery

You don’t need a script, but having key points and confident delivery makes a difference.

This is where your leadership mindset really kicks in. It’s not just about talking—it’s about connecting. When you’re intentional about how you communicate, people feel it.

Speak to Their Style, Not Just Your Own

Knowing your message isn’t enough. You also need to know how your message will land.

Some people like quick, direct updates. Others need time to think things through. Some process verbally in a group. Others want to see data and details first.

Understanding these preferences helps your message resonate and avoids unnecessary friction.

The Role of Everything DiSC®

The Everything DiSC® model helps you identify and adapt to communication styles based on behavior, not guesswork.

Your personalized DiSC profile shows:

How you respond to challenges
How you influence others
Your preferred pace
How you handle rules, structure, and precision

This gives you practical insights into how to better connect with your team, peers, and leaders. It helps reduce misunderstandings, build trust, and improve collaboration.

Take a moment to reflect:

Would any of your recent conversations have turned out better if you had planned with this level of awareness?

Real Influence Comes from Intentional Communication

Influence isn’t about control. It’s about connection.

So before your next key conversation, ask yourself:

What outcome am I aiming for?
How might this interaction shape the way I’m seen as a leader?
How can I adjust my communication to meet the other person where they are?

When you lead your communication with intention—and adapt to your audience—you don’t just get results. You strengthen your leadership reputation every step of the way.

Want to Try It for Yourself?

If you’re ready to explore how Everything DiSC® can improve your communication, I offer an assessment along with a 20-page report and a 1:1 debrief session to walk through your results, discuss your style, and identify immediate strategies you can apply.

Book your DiSC assessment + debrief here.

Want to explore how this topic connects to employee development, team communication, or improving engagement in your organization?

Let’s talk—reach out here

Let’s start a conversation. Feel free to leave a comment!

Communication as Influence: How You Show Up Matters More Than You Think