Playbook for Intentional Influence

Introduction

“…Intentional influence begins with intentional focus on establishing intentional habits. It helps to start small and build from there…”

— Michelle Gibbings, 2025j

Components of playbook

• Conduct a daily signals audit (what are you aiming to project today and what would it look like in behaviour; and end of day conduct feedback on mismatch between intent and action; look for patterns that need redesigning)
• Open on climate, not content (set the tone of the meeting by encouraging psychological safety, before getting into content)
• Close the loop continuously (continuously follow up to emphasise the importance of matters)
• Make your energy into an asset (remove distractions and prioritise your focus; have a balanced lifestyle)
• Be prepared to handle bad news (encourage proactive risk management; don't shoot the messenger of bad news; instead recognise and reward them)
• Make hard topics discussable (make the undiscussable discussable; invite different perspectives)
• Align words, symbols and systems (actions speak louder than words)
• Be intentional with appearance (dress to match the moment and the culture)
• Create feedback loops (invite participants to give you their thoughts on your performance)

Some comments on components

“…

1. What might people infer from your non-verbal cues in the first minute? Lean in, be interested, make eye contact and remove visible distractions. Thin slices of behaviour shape judgements.
2. What energy do you need to transmit? Calm, urgency, curiosity or something else? Regulate before you relate. Emotional contagion is real.
3. What will your silence say? If you avoid this topic, what story will people tell, and is that the story you want? Your impact depends on your response history.
4. Where must words and deeds be visibly aligned? Identify one behaviour that proves the message today. Do it first.
5. What signals will remain after you leave the room? Meeting notes, ownership, timelines and other actions. Remember, consistent follow-through is culture in motion…”

— Michelle Gibbings, 2025j

Summary

People are evaluating others all the time. Sometimes you will dismiss actions such as how someone dress as trivial, etc; yet, in reality it is the accumulation of many small moments that determines your credibility and influence.