The benefits of establishing trust and influence, particularly for general counsel (GC), are of paramount importance, particularly during periods of significant change. Successfully pivoting can be a challenging process, as change often faces resistance from employees comfortable with the status quo.
Through their ability to persuade and motivate, influential leaders, such as the GC, can facilitate acceptance and execution of change within an organization. They manage this by articulating the advantages of change and addressing concerns. GCs, with their unique positioning to support executive leadership during the change management process, are likely best placed to initiate and support such a shift.
Having the GC’s endorsement when implementing change within a company can inspire adherence from key stakeholders, including senior leaders, middle managers, and front-line employees. As a part of the legal department, the GC has the training to turn the art of persuasion and exemplary communication skills to the company’s advantage. They can bring clarity to the entire change journey, outline the change initiative’s vision and objectives and vividly illustrate the benefits employees stand to gain.
Trust and credibility are closely tied to influence. Open communication, a willingness to entertain questions and address concerns promptly, even under the possibility of incomplete answers, are the hallmarks of a reliable and credible GC. This trustworthiness can be instrumental in gaining buy-in from employees during times of transition.
As subjects of negotiation or collaboration within an organization, departments and teams need to have efficient discussions regarding proposed changes. The GC, who facilitates these discussions on a daily basis, is naturally suited for this role and can deftly handle challenging negotiations that surface during the change management process.
The GC is also capable of mitigating the fear and uncertainty that come with implementing change. Leading by example and promoting a culture of ethical behavior, a reliable GC can reassure all stakeholders that the organization’s leadership is acting ethically and in the best interests of all parties.
Leveraging one’s online presence is one way to influence, build a strong personal brand, and reach your target audience. Networking platforms such as LinkedIn have become popular among lawyers for this purpose.
In summary, influence fosters compliance and drives successful outcomes, making it a crucial tool for leaders implementing changes within an organization. An influential GC has the power to keep employees engaged and committed, which leads to sustained momentum towards long-term organizational growth.