Get Over It: Knocking Down The Barriers to Influence

Plenty of people learn influence skills, but not everyone puts them into action. Why? Because they hit roadblocks. Barriers—both internal and external—can hold you back from applying these techniques.  You can only deal with them when you know they’re there. But once you do, you’re on the road to becoming  a Communication Ninja.

We’re going to explore those barriers right now.  Here’s the video from my online course, ‘Influence with Impact’ in which I spend four minutes explaining these obstacles to influence:

If you’re on the journey to refine your interpersonal skills, read about the barriers here:

Internal Barriers to Influence

First up: those internal barriers. These are the thoughts and feelings that lurk away, often in the shadows of your sub-conscious. We often mistake these barriers for something else such as being fed up or frustrated, when they’re something else.

1. Clarity Confusion
   Many people haven’t takem the time to define what they specifically want or figure out how to achieve it. Without clarity in these areas, it’s challenging to communicate effectively.
2. Negative Perception of Others
   Ever thought, “They’re idiots; why should I waste my time?” or “They won’t listen anyway”? You don’t know until you try. If that still doesn’t work, you can influence the influencer, that is those who have a good relationship with that person as well as with you. Such tactics help clients navigate the political and personal maze.
3. Rejection Paralysis
   Fear of hearing “no” can make even the most confident person hesitate. But here’s the thing: rejection isn’t a stop sign; it’s more like a speed bump. Keep going—there’s influence gold on the other side. When I work with client who have this issue, there are several ways we get over that speed-bump and one that you can use is recalling and writing down when you felt the same but overcame it to steer an outcome. Even if this wasn’t a work situation, it’s a valid learning moment.

These beliefs don’t just hang around in your head—they put up barriers between you and progress. Pinpoint them, challenge them, and overturn them.

External Barriers to Influence

Now let’s turn to external barriers. These are the circumstances or dynamics in your environment that can make applying influence feel like climbing Everest in flip-flops:

1. Clashing Goals
   You want A; they want B. It happens. When goals collide, think reciprocity—a little quid pro quo magic can work wonders. Even with conflicting priorities, you can create a win-win situation that opens the door to influence.
2. The Hierarchy Hurdle (or Relationship Gap)
   Whether you’re trying to sway the big boss or someone you barely know, these gaps can seem insurmountable. Maybe they’re senior leadership, or maybe they’re your client’s client. Either way, influence through intermediaries can help you bridge the divide. Here are nine reasons why you’re not getting buy-in from Senior Leaders and how to turn that around.
3. Information Blackout
   If they don’t know how your proposal benefits them, they’re not biting. Clear communication is everything. Show them what’s in it for them, and watch the light bulb go on. This five-minute, no slide structure’s a winner.

Your Action

1. 1. 1. Look at this list and mark what barriers are relevant to you.
      2. Check on the links or within the post to see what to do about it.
      3. Contact me or enrol on the online course in Influencing to tap into your ability to drive action.
      4. Get Your Barriers Checklist Instantly

   We tackle all of these barriers in my online and blended learning course, ‘Influence with Impact’.  I work with companies and individuals who also want more customised business communication training. Breaking down barriers isn’t just about using influence skills—it’s about transforming challenges into opportunities. Get in touch with me here to make it happen!