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INFLUENCE WITHOUT AUTHORITY: My Experience Bringing Change To My Organization (So Far)Audrey Troutt, Software Engineer,the Math Forum @ Drexel
Influence vs. Authority
The power to affect, control, or manipulate something or someone
the ability to change the development of fluctuating things such as conduct, thoughts or decisions. http://en.wiktionary.org
Influence vs. Authority
I have (almost) no authority I want to change thingsAlmost everyone has more influence than they have authority
Why do I want to change things? Development process is painful
Constantly putting out fires Lack clear vision for product No well-defined process
Results could be better Takes too long to get new features Buggy or mis-designed features
make it to production
What do I want to do?
Improve our process Plan iterations Designate one person to hold the
product vision Improve our execution
Agree on code standards Write more tests Use XP practices like TDD and
pairing
What I tried that didn’t work
Saying/doing nothing Throwing random suggestions out
during meetings Pouting Sarcasm Spamming my teammates with book
suggestions and blog posts Blazing ahead on my own
How? I (re)Read This Book
Step 1: This is not about youThis is not about youIt is about the whole organization succeeding
Step 2: What do you propose?Specific about a change you want to make
How does it benefit the organization?
Clearly articulate this
Step 3: Who to influence?
Who can help you make that change? In other words, who do you need to influence?
Step 4: How to influence?
How will this change benefit them? What else can you offer them? How do they like to work? What do they like/value?
Step 4.5: How to influence?
Assume they are your ally
* Skipping this step almost always leads to failure in my experience
Step 5: Propose an exchangeMake a proposal, ask for their help
Show how it benefits them (an the organization)
If they say yes, then go forth and get the job done!
If no, then learn from it. Why did they say no?
Step 6: Rinse and repeat
The more successful exchanges you make the stronger your relationships become and the easier it is to get a yes.
Example: Planning and Visibility
Example: Pair Programming
What now? Further DiscussionWhat are you currently trying to change in your organization?
How do you influence others?
