Category: People

Competency: Influencing Others

Competency Definition: The ability to shape, guide, or alter the thoughts, behaviors, attitudes, or decisions of others.

Abbreviation in Louisiana Jobs: IO - 26


Influencing Others

Competency Behaviors: Specific, observable actions demonstrating the competency

Forming


Struggles to demonstrate the competency; needs guidance and practice.
  • Struggles to frame ideas persuasively; messages fail to connect with or motivate the audience
  • Fails to listen or consider feedback; misses cues that could shape a more effective influence strategy
  • Responds without awareness of emotional dynamics; may escalate tension or erode trust
  • Relies on one-size-fits-all approaches that lack impact; influence efforts fall flat or create resistance
  • Focuses only on immediate needs; overlooks opportunities to align influence efforts with broader objectives

Improving


Shows growth and increasing confidence but not yet consistently independent

Successful


Demonstrates the competency independently and reliably in routine situations
  • Communicates ideas persuasively to gain support; adjusts approach to fit different audiences
  • Listens and integrates relevant feedback to improve message resonance and strengthen relationships
  • Demonstrates emotional awareness; maintains composure and uses empathy to support influence goals
  • Selects appropriate influence tactics and adapts strategies to achieve intended outcomes in familiar settings
  • Considers organizational priorities and outcomes when influencing others

Exceeds


Applies the competency independently in challenging or high-impact situations, adding value or insight

Exceptional


Demonstrates subject-matter expertise, serves as a role model, and elevates standards.
  • Shapes messages that shift thinking and inspire action; frames ideas strategically to gain buy-in from diverse stakeholders
  • Seeks input and uses dialogue to collaboratively develop ideas and solutions, leveraging feedback to strengthen influence and trust
  • Exhibits high emotional intelligence; reads the room, diffuses tension, and builds credibility in complex dynamics
  • Employs a range of tailored, context-sensitive influence strategies; anticipates resistance and adjusts in real time
  • Aligns influence efforts with long-term strategy; mobilizes others toward shared goals while managing competing interests