What is a fundamental step to influencing someone in a higher leadership position?

Being noticed is a critical step in influencing someone in a higher leadership position because visibility can lead to opportunities for interaction and engagement. When you capture the attention of leaders, you create a platform for dialogue about your ideas and contributions. This visibility establishes your presence within the organization, which can facilitate future collaborations and discussions.

In a hierarchical structure, those in higher positions often rely on input from their team, which means that without being noticed, you may struggle to communicate important ideas or demonstrate your value. Establishing this visibility allows you to build on further influence, as it ensures that your perspectives are considered during decision-making processes.

Other concepts, such as building alliances or demonstrating results, are also important but typically follow after you have established your presence and made yourself known. Presenting data is useful in persuading leadership but predominantly relies on having established a relationship or recognition beforehand to ensure that your insights are taken seriously.