Influence is not control. It’s creating alignment between your vision and the needs of others. People are more likely to support you when they feel that their goals align with yours. The ability to build consensus is therefore an important aspect of amplifying influence.
When leading a project that requires cross-departmental collaboration for example, bringing people together under a common goal is needed. Showing each team how their efforts contribute to the bigger picture will inspire them to work towards collective success. Aligning the interests of different groups creates a sense of ownership and cooperation, which naturally increases your influence over the outcomes.
Without consensus, you risk creating silos or resistance, which can undermine your efforts. Creating alignment helps avoid these pitfalls, leading to smoother execution and stronger support for your initiatives.