Boost Your Influence as a Startup Leader: Tips and Strategies

From an early age, we begin mastering the art of persuasion and strategic communication, skills that are foundational not just in personal interactions but crucial in professional environments like startups. Developmental psychologists have noted that by age five, children are already experimenting with various influencing techniques such as negotiation, persuasion and even tantrums. They keenly observe and emulate the adults around them, picking up on what behaviors effectively achieve the desired outcomes.

Additionally, foundational beliefs about assertiveness — whether it’s believing that one must earn the right to make requests or feeling entitled to make demands without precondition — are shaped during these formative years. Consequently, children begin to adopt distinct influence styles based on their observations and experiences.

By the time we enter the workplace, these dynamics have become deeply embedded within our psyche, leading to the development of specific influence personality types. Most of us learn skills to better influence depending on the situation, but we typically have a default style that can be categorized into two main groups: pushers and pullers.

Assessments conducted across multiple organizations reveal that only 10-15% of people surveyed fall into a blend of both styles, utilizing both push and pull with ease. The vast majority fall distinctly into either a strong push or pull style. Each type has its own unique approach to influence, and understanding which one aligns with your natural style can significantly enhance your effectiveness in driving better outcomes at your startup.

Identifying where you fall on the push-pull spectrum and being reflective about how your style helps or hinders you in your role is crucial. Start by adopting one aspect of the opposing style that doesn’t come naturally to you. Over time, you’ll develop a more balanced skill set, which will be appreciated by your team and enhance your overall influence.