Have you ever admired how certain leaders effortlessly convince people to support their ideas, motivating their teams toward remarkable results? That persuasive ability isn’t magic—it’s about mastering the art of influence.
In our previous article, we explored different influencing styles. Now, let’s clearly see these influencing styles in action with practical, real-world examples you can relate to and learn from.
Ready to dive deeper into how effective leaders persuade, motivate, and inspire their teams? Let’s get started!
Quick Recap: What Are Influencing Styles?
Influencing styles refer to the various approaches leaders use to persuade others, win their support, and drive action effectively. Understanding and adapting your style to different situations helps you achieve your leadership goals, build stronger teams, and gain trust.
If you need a broader view on leadership competencies for hiring, explore our detailed guide: Leadership Competencies for Hiring.
Practical Examples of the 6 Key Influencing Styles in Leadership
Here are clear, relatable examples showcasing how leaders practically apply each influencing style:
1. Authoritative Influencing Style
The authoritative style is direct, clear, and relies on a leader’s authority or expertise.
Example:
Imagine your team faces an urgent deadline to deliver a client project. As a leader, you step in and clearly outline tasks, deadlines, and roles—ensuring everyone knows exactly what’s expected.
| Situation | Example Action | Result Achieved |
| Crisis or tight deadline | Clearly giving directions to meet a critical deadline | Efficient completion of urgent tasks |
When to use:
- Emergencies
- Urgent situations
- Clear and immediate action required
2. Collaborative Influencing Style
Collaborative leaders clearly involve their team, fostering participation and consensus.
Example:
You’re introducing new company policies impacting your team. You arrange a meeting to discuss the proposed changes openly, inviting suggestions and actively listening to feedback before finalizing decisions.
| Situation | Example Action | Result Achieved |
| Change impacting the team | Openly discussing and gaining input from employees | High team buy-in and smoother change implementation |
When to use:
- Team projects
- Situations requiring consensus
- Long-term decisions affecting the team
3. Inspirational Influencing Style
Inspirational leaders motivate by clearly communicating a compelling vision.
Example:
As your organization undergoes major digital transformation, you passionately communicate your vision for innovation, highlighting exciting opportunities ahead. Your enthusiasm inspires your team to embrace change positively.
| Situation | Example Action | Result Achieved |
| Organizational transformation | Clearly sharing an inspiring vision | Motivated and engaged employees |
When to use:
- Driving change or innovation
- Motivating teams during uncertainty
- Setting ambitious goals
4. Rational Influencing Style
The rational style relies on facts, data, and logical arguments.
Example:
You propose a budget increase for team training. Instead of relying on feelings, you clearly present data demonstrating improved team productivity after previous training sessions, convincing leadership to approve your proposal.
| Situation | Example Action | Result Achieved |
| Budget proposals | Clearly presenting data-driven arguments | Persuasive, fact-based decisions |
When to use:
- Complex decisions
- Financial or technical discussions
- Gaining executive approval
5. Consultative Influencing Style
Consultative leaders clearly involve stakeholders, seek feedback, and demonstrate genuine respect for others’ opinions.
Example:
When choosing a new software tool for your team, you clearly gather opinions, asking team members about their preferences, then making an informed decision based on collective feedback.
| Situation | Example Action | Result Achieved |
| Significant team decisions | Actively seeking input before deciding | Higher team satisfaction and engagement |
When to use:
- Decisions needing buy-in
- Situations benefiting from multiple perspectives
- Building trust and stronger relationships
6. Empowering Influencing Style
Empowering leaders delegate clearly, trust their teams, and encourage autonomy.
Example:
You assign your experienced team members to lead important client meetings, clearly communicating your trust in their abilities. You step back, providing guidance only when needed, allowing them ownership and confidence.
| Situation | Example Action | Result Achieved |
| Team development | Delegating key responsibilities clearly | Increased confidence, accountability |
When to use:
- Developing employees
- Fostering autonomy
- Boosting team initiative
How to Identify Influencing Styles in Leadership Hiring
Clearly understanding influencing styles helps hire better leaders. Here’s how to practically assess influencing abilities:
- Ask structured leadership potential assessment questions to reveal influencing behaviors.
- Use 360 leadership assessment templates to get comprehensive feedback from stakeholders.
- Leverage personality assessments like DISC leadership styles or DISC leadership model to identify natural influencing tendencies.
Related Resources for Strengthening Leadership Influence
Want to further enhance your leadership and influence skills? Explore these clearly linked resources for deeper insights:
- Inclusive Leadership Questions
- What is Actually Transformational Leadership?
- Traits of Transformational Leadership
- 5 Characteristics of Transformational Leadership
- Examples of Transformational Leadership in the Workplace
- How to Recruit Transformational Leaders
- Team Building Skills Meaning and Examples
- Team Building Skills Activities
- Teamwork Skills Meaning and Examples
- Key Strategic Thinking Skills in Leadership and Management
Final Thoughts: Clearly Mastering Influencing Styles Empowers Leadership
Understanding practical influencing styles examples makes you a more effective leader. By applying the right style in each situation, you’ll persuade more successfully, build trust, and create a motivated, high-performing team.
Ready to deepen your understanding of critical leadership competencies? Check out our comprehensive guide: Leadership Competencies for Hiring and become the influential leader your organization needs.
