Leading alongside. That’s what advisers in organisations are essentially doing. You can’t dig it out of the ground, fly it, design it or decorate it for them. You can only lead them as best you can so as they make the best decisions.

Unfortunately, often due to expediency, we use our authority to get things done. What is the problem with using authority? Anyone ever made you do something you didn’t want to do? What happened after you got the job done? Resentment? Too right!

If you truly wish to gain influence you need to lead alongside. People who lead alongside build truck loads of trust. And trust is what is required for you to have the impact on the organisation you know you need to make.