5 Leadership Habits That Increase Your Influence

When people think about influence, they often picture someone who can command a room. The charismatic leader who always knows exactly what to say, delivers inspiring speeches, and somehow gets everyone on board with their ideas.

But the more leaders I work with, the more convinced I become that influence rarely works like that.

In fact, some of the most influential people I've met aren't particularly loud, charismatic, or even especially senior. They're simply the people others trust. They're the colleagues whose opinions carry weight, whose advice people seek out, and whose presence makes others feel supported, valued, and understood.

What's interesting is that their influence isn't usually down to personality. It's the result of a handful of habits they've developed over time.

One of the most powerful is curiosity.

Many leaders feel pressure to have the answers. After all, that's often what people expect from leaders, isn't it? To be decisive, knowledgeable, and certain.

Yet some of the most influential leaders I've worked with spend far less time trying to prove they're right and far more time trying to understand what's really going on.

Rather than jumping straight to solutions, they ask thoughtful questions. They want to hear different perspectives. They're interested in what they might be missing.

Questions like:

"What am I not seeing here?"

"What's actually needed?"

"How might somebody else view this situation?"

often unlock far more value than the quickest answer ever could.

People are naturally drawn to leaders who are curious because curiosity creates connection. It shows humility. It demonstrates respect. And it helps people feel that their perspective matters.

Another habit that quietly builds influence is reliability.

It sounds simple, but trust grows when people know they can depend on you. Not because you're perfect, but because you do what you say you'll do.

It's following through on commitments. Keeping people updated when plans change. Doing the small things consistently, even when nobody is watching.

None of this is particularly exciting. In fact, it's often the least glamorous part of leadership.

But over time, people begin to associate you with credibility. They trust your word. They know where they stand with you. And that trust becomes the foundation of influence.

Listening is another habit that doesn't get nearly enough attention.

We've all sat in conversations where someone appears to be listening but is actually just waiting for their turn to speak. You can almost see them preparing their response while you're still talking.

Influential leaders do something different.

They listen with genuine interest. They ask follow-up questions. They stay present in the conversation rather than rushing to solve the problem.

Most people don't need a leader who has all the answers. They need a leader who makes them feel heard.

And when people feel heard, they're far more likely to trust your judgement, engage with your ideas, and be open to your influence.

Influence is also shaped by how we make other people feel.

When you think back to the best leader you've worked with, chances are you don't immediately remember their strategic plan or their technical expertise. More likely, you remember how they treated people.

Perhaps they recognised your efforts when nobody else did. Maybe they encouraged you to take on something new. Perhaps they believed in you before you fully believed in yourself.

The leaders who have the greatest influence are often those who help others grow.

They understand that leadership isn't about being the smartest person in the room. It's about creating an environment where other people can succeed.

And finally, influential leaders communicate with clarity.

This sounds obvious, but it's surprisingly rare. Many leaders overcomplicate things. They soften their message so much that nobody is quite sure what they mean, or they bury important points beneath layers of explanation.

Clarity isn't about being blunt or overly direct.

It's about helping people understand what matters, why it matters, and what happens next.

When people are clear, they're more confident. When they're more confident, they're more likely to act. And when people act, influence grows.

What I find reassuring about all of these habits is that none of them require a promotion, a bigger team, or a more impressive job title.

They are available to every leader, every day.

Influence isn't something we suddenly acquire when we reach a certain level in our career. It's built gradually through hundreds of small interactions. Through the questions we ask, the promises we keep, the way we listen, the encouragement we give, and the clarity we bring.

Those moments might seem insignificant at the time, but together they shape how people experience our leadership.

And ultimately, that's where influence comes from.

A Question to Leave You With

When you think about the leaders who have influenced you most, what was it about them that earned your trust and respect?

And perhaps more importantly, which of those qualities could you strengthen in your own leadership?

Your Leadership Challenge

Over the next week, choose one habit to focus on intentionally.

Maybe you'll ask more questions before offering solutions. Perhaps you'll improve your follow-through, or make a conscious effort to listen more deeply in conversations.

Whatever you choose, stick with it for a week and notice what changes.

I'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts

Which of these habits comes most naturally to you? And which one do you think would make the biggest difference if you strengthened it?

Share your thoughts in the comments, I'd love to continue the conversation.

And if you're looking to grow your confidence, influence, and leadership impact alongside a supportive community of ambitious women, take a look at The RiSE Collective.

Through leadership development, coaching, practical tools, and meaningful conversations, we help women lead with greater confidence and authenticity.

Because leadership isn't about becoming someone else, it's about becoming more of who you already are at your best.