Why This Matters

In a world obsessed with persuasion tactics and perfect pitches, we've forgotten a fundamental truth: the most powerful form of influence isn't manipulation - it's resonance. When you strip away the scripts and speak from clarity rather than calculation, something remarkable happens:

• Trust replaces skepticism (people follow those who know themselves)

• Conversations replace presentations (dialogue flows when agendas dissolve)

• Change emerges naturally (because people adopt what they help discover)

This isn't just better communication - it's more humane leadership. The kind that doesn't exhaust you with performance, but energizes you with authenticity. The kind where being fully present matters more than being perfectly polished.

When you lead from this place, you're not just sharing ideas - you're inviting others into the rare and sacred space where real work begins: the space where we stop pretending and start creating.

That's why clarity isn't just helpful - it's an act of kindness to yourself and those you lead.

How to Be More Influential with Your Team Using Action Inquiry?

In today’s fast-paced work environment, influencing others—whether upwards, sideways, or downwards—is a critical leadership skill. But how can you do it effectively while fostering collaboration and innovation? Action Inquiry is a powerful tool that helps you engage your team, encourage open dialogue, and drive meaningful change. 

What Is Action Inquiry?

Action Inquiry is both an influencing framework and a collaborative process. It helps you structure conversations in a way that invites engagement, encourages innovation, and builds trust. The approach involves four key steps:

1. Framing – Setting the context and stating your purpose.

2. Advocating – Sharing your perspective, proposal, or feeling.

3. Illustrating – Bringing your point to life with a story or example.

4. Inquiring – Asking genuine questions to learn from others.

The Four Steps of Action Inquiry

1. Framing: Set the Context

Before diving into your idea, frame the conversation so your listener understands why it matters.

Example:
“I’d like to talk about an idea that tackles a common frustration in our team—one that could save time and improve our work quality.”

Why is framing important?

• It shapes how openly someone listens to you.

• It connects your message to shared goals or challenges.

Tips for Effective Framing:
✔ Relate your point to something your team or business has publicly prioritized.
✔ Emphasize common ground.
✔ Acknowledge any challenges upfront.
✔ Explain how you want to structure the discussion.

2. Advocating: Share Your Perspective

Once the context is set, assert your idea, feeling, or proposal clearly.

Example:
“I feel strongly that constant email notifications are disrupting our focus and hurting our ability to do deep work.”

Why advocate with vulnerability?

• Hard proposals (e.g., policy changes) are clear but may feel rigid.

• Softer insights (e.g., personal observations) invite discussion and creativity.

Tips for Effective Advocating:
✔ Be precise about key points.
✔ Admit allowable weaknesses in your argument—this builds credibility.

3. Illustrating: Bring Your Point to Life

A compelling story or example makes your idea tangible.

Example:
“A friend at McKinsey shared how their team banned email alerts—productivity increased by 4% in one quarter.”

Aren’t stories just for kids?
No! Stories:
✔ Make abstract concepts relatable.
✔ Show real-world impact.

Tips for Effective Illustrating:
✔ Use examples where others have successfully tackled similar issues.
✔ Keep it relevant and concise.

4. Inquiring: Engage Others with Genuine Questions

Finally, ask open-ended questions to involve your team.

Example:
“How much do email distractions affect your focus?”

Why ask with curiosity?
✔ It helps you understand their perspective.
✔ It keeps the conversation collaborative rather than one-sided.

Tips for Effective Inquiry:
✔ Ask sincere, open questions.
✔ Direct attention to the core issue you want to explore.

Putting It Into Practice

To prepare for an influencing conversation, ask yourself:

• What’s my goal?

• Who needs to be involved?

• What’s the best way to frame this?

• What story or data supports my point?

• What questions will spark meaningful discussion?

By practicing Action Inquiry, you’ll not only become more influential but also foster a culture of openness and innovation in your team.

Ready to try it? Next time you need to influence a decision, use Framing, Advocating, Illustrating, and Inquiring—and watch how your team engages!

What’s your biggest challenge in influencing others? Share in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!