Stop Managing, Start Influencing: The New Leadership Mindset Shift

If there’s one leadership lesson that’s followed me through every phase of my career, it’s this:

Leadership isn’t just about managing people. It’s about influencing them—especially when you don’t have formal authority.

For decades, I’ve led teams representing global fashion brands inside major retail environments. Our goal? To drive sales, build brand loyalty, and inspire retail teams to prioritize our product… all without having a single person directly reporting to us.

We couldn’t assign their schedules. We couldn’t control their workload. But we could build relationships, foster trust, and influence outcomes.

That’s the real leadership mindset shift: moving from control to connection.

Why Today’s Leaders Need Influence More Than Ever

Whether you’re leading a field team like I do, managing a cross-functional project, or trying to get buy-in from stakeholders who don’t report to you—influence without authority has become one of the most critical leadership skills in today’s workplace.

Business today is fast, collaborative, and often messy. You’re constantly working across teams, departments, and even time zones.

And here’s the truth: If you’re still relying on positional authority to get things done…You’re going to fall behind.

The Leadership Mindset Shift: Influence Over Control

Over the years, I’ve seen the best and most adaptable leaders embrace this mindset shift:

It’s not about controlling people. It’s about inspiring action through trust, emotional intelligence, and connection.

Leadership today is about asking:

• How am I showing up for my team and my partners?

• Am I building trust and engagement—or just issuing commands?

• Am I influencing change… or just managing tasks?

Three Leadership Lessons I Teach My Team About

1. Influence Starts Before the Meeting

If you want your voice heard in a meeting… the real work starts days before. I coach my team to build relationships and have 1:1 conversations long before big moments happen.

Influence is built through trust—not on the spot under pressure.

2. Frame Your Message Through Their Lens

One of the biggest leadership mistakes I see? Leaders pushing their own agenda without thinking about what matters to the other person.

Whether I was negotiating for better product placement or advocating for resources, I learned to ask:

• What does this person care about?

• How does this help them hit their goals?

• How can I position this as a win-win?

  
  

Influence grows when you speak their language—not just your own.

3. Preparation Beats Position Every Time

You don’t have to be the most senior person in the room to have impact. But you do need to be the most prepared.

When my team shows up with data, insights, and a clear understanding of the business landscape, their voices carry weight.

Confidence follows preparation. And influence follows both.

How to Start Building Your Influence —Today

If you’re ready to shift from managing to influencing, here are three quick leadership strategies to practice:

• Prepare: Know your audience. Understand their goals and challenges.

• Position: Frame your message in terms of shared success, not just your personal goals.

• Persist: Follow up. Keep showing up with value. Influence rarely happens in one conversation.

Final Thought: Real Leadership is About Impact—Not Control

If you’re only focused on managing your direct reports, you’re missing your biggest leadership opportunity. Your real power lies in your ability to build trust, inspire action, and influence across your entire organization.

Because leadership today? It’s not about the title on your business card. It’s about the energy you bring, the trust you build, and the connections you create.

Let’s Start the Conversation

I’m Deirdre Palm Adams — a seasoned leader, entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and best-selling author. With a career spanning decades in the high-pressure industries of fashion and wellness, I’ve built dynamic teams, inspired meaningful change, and led with unwavering positivity. I believe the energy you bring as a leader is your greatest tool for transformation — both in the workplace and in life.

Today, I channel my leadership experience into empowering others to achieve their goals through financial wellness, online business mentorship, and heart-centered leadership.

Whether you’re looking to close the income gap, create more flexibility, or pursue a long-held dream, financial freedom can open the doors to a brighter future. True leadership isn’t just about what you achieve — it’s about how you use your success to create positive impact for yourself and others.

If this resonates with you, I’d love to help you explore what’s possible. Together, we can create a personalized plan to take the first step toward a more empowered, aligned life.

Click HERE to book a complimentary discovery call with me.

Let’s make it happen!