What Sarah Learned About Influence That You Can Use Tomorrow
When Direct Influence Doesn't Work
Ever waste energy trying to impress someone who won't budge?
Sarah did.
John doubted her appointment.
She invited him to coffee.
Asked his input.
Nothing worked.
The Question That Changed Everything
In our coaching session, I asked: "Who does John respect?"
She paused. "His peer group. The senior engineers."
"What if you stopped trying to impress John directly?"
The Strategy She Couldn't See
Sarah shifted her focus. She stopped pursuing John.
Instead, she impressed the colleagues whose opinions he valued.
She contributed meaningfully in their meetings.
She credited their good ideas publicly.
She made them look brilliant.
Six months later, John heard praise about Sarah from people he respected.
It became harder to maintain skepticism when colleagues he admired valued her work.
Does this sound like it could work for you or is familiar?
The Result
They eventually collaborated effectively.
Not because she convinced him directly, but because voices he trusted did.
The breakthrough wasn't changing John's mind.
It was recognizing his mind would change through people he already trusted.
Ready to Build Strategic Influence?
Email me at suzanne@doylemorris.com for a complimentary chemistry call.
We'll explore your biggest challenge and whether a 12-month coaching partnership makes sense for you.
Most of my clients are employer-funded.
Yes, your company will likely pay for this and I can help you through that goal.
Learn more: www.suzannedoylemorris.com
About Dr. Suzanne Doyle-Morris
Dr. Suzanne Doyle-Morris is an ICF Master Certified Coach (MCC) with a PhD from the University of Cambridge focusing on women in Engineering.
For 25 years, she's coached accomplished women in STEM as they advance to senior leadership.
She's the author of three books: "Beyond the Boys' Club: Strategies for Achieving Career Success as a Woman Working in a Male Dominated Field," "The Con Job: Getting Ahead for Competence in a World Obsessed with Confidence," and "Female Breadwinners: How They Make Relationships Work and Why they are Future of the Modern Workforce."
80% of her clients secure promotions or stretch roles within 12 months.
Not because she gives advice, but because she asks the right questions.
Welcome to my Blog
I'm Dr Suzanne Doyle‑Morris and I support professional women working in STEM.
Whether you’re seeking your next promotion, aiming for leadership, or simply looking to make your mark, this blog is created for you.
It's written for the ambitious woman in STEM ready to advance and succeed on her own terms.
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The Women in Tech Promotion Playbook
Your roadmap to advancement with balance
The Women in Tech Promotion Playbook is a practical, evidence-based guide designed for ambitious women in STEM who want to advance their careers without burning out. Drawing on over 25 years of coaching and research, I outline five strategic steps that help women move from being overworked and under recognised to confident, visible leaders.
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