You know that influence is the key to building your empire.

Better assignments, high profile connections, clients that flock to your door all seem to magically appear for those who wield the golden scepter of influence.

But not for you. You’re stuck poking and prodding people to get them to do what you need done, exhausting yourself and getting no further ahead than you were yesterday.

What are you doing wrong?

1. You’re Inconsistent

People crave consistency. They want to know that you’re reliable. That you’ll keep your word. That you’ll be around tomorrow and when they see you they will know they’re getting Dr. Jekyll and not Mr. Hyde. Any whiff of you being a flake and you’ve blown your chance at influence.

2. You’re a Downer

Influencers are likable. No one wants to be around a complainer, a gossip, or a glass half empty kind of person. Slap a smile on your face and go forth and spread sunshine.

3. You’re a Taker

It was great when you asked your whole team to work the holiday weekend and they didn’t complain. It stunk up the room when you didn’t offer free bagels and coffee to them as a way of thanks. Yes, yes, yes, I know, they’re lucky to have a job. Crack open that wallet and say thank you anyway. In fact, say thank you, you’re the best, and what can I do to help you more often than you think you should.

4. You’re a Lone Wolf

You’ve stayed home to watch the game, the Real Housewives of New York, or Jeopardy one too many times and missed your chance to mix and mingle with your colleagues and socialize your way to strong partnerships. There’s no 5P whistle blowing to end the day for influencers. Be around people when you don’t have to do it. Enjoy them. And let them enjoy you.

5. You Babble

You think you’re being generous sharing every iota of information you know about a topic before you dole out an assignment. The longer you talk the more people hear blah, blah, blah. Get to the point.

That’s the top 5 reasons I see consistently dinging leaders influence.

I’d love to hear what challenges you've faced in developing your own influence or the influence of people you lead and let me know how you've overcome them. Thanks!

If you want to know more about where there might be gaps in your leadership and influence, take the free assessment know. Click here now http://www.thecoryellgroup.com/theLeadershipMasteryAssessment/