I am a newly hired engineer in a Boston-based medical device company. How do I establish influence with a team whose support I need to do my job? These individuals report to a manager in another department. Sometimes when I ask for help with a project, they tell me that they are too busy.

Getting people to help you without authority is more art than science. Many individuals have not been trained in influence skills and become easily frustrated when others are uncooperative. In sales there is a truism that "people buy from those they like." In many respects, you are in a sales job even though your title is engineer. Listed below are recommendations you might find helpful in increasing your influence.

• Build informal relationships

  You will not develop much influence if you only interact with this team in regularly scheduled business meetings. Find ways to build relationships informally by dropping in on team members, for a few minutes, to discuss things that you have in common. Periodically, sit with members at lunch in the cafeteria. Listen to team members and make note of their family situations and personal interests. This information will help you in conversations and in getting to know people better.

• Divide and Conquer

  Certain team members will be easier to get to know than others. Sometimes it is personality and sometimes it is a common interest. Develop relationships with the people who are most receptive and they will spread the news that you are a good person to know.

• Help other people get what they need

  You may have skills or connections that will help members of this team reach their goals. There may also be times when you can provide another pair of hands to get a rush job done. Consider sending team members copies of articles that will be of interest. Also let them know about websites and other resources that will make their jobs easier.

Make a commitment to learn everything you can about building relationships. At least fifty percent of your success as an engineer will depend on your communication skills. Don't ever stop growing in this area. You will soon develop the ability to influence people at all levels.

Copyright , Mark J. Campbell. All rights reserved.
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