Do you sometimes feel that you don't have a lot of leeway to shape their PhD project?

Well, I guess there is some truth to it. Even in a best case scenario you have to report to your advisor and maybe your funder, the amount of time and money to do things is limited and then there are also things like journal guidelines and your uni's requirements for promotion. But even if you feel you don't have any say - there's always some way to increase your influence.

A powerful step is to understand the four components of influence and learn how to use them to strengthen your position.

Positional power

Let's face it, you're not super high up in the hierarchy. You have a boss and you can't just go and do what you want if they're against it. People with positional power over others tend to talk more, to interrupt more, and to guide the conversation more, by picking the topics.

What to do:

Be proactive rather than reactive. Ask thoughtful questions. Prepare before meetings and know what you want and what the other person wants!

Emotion

Emotion can counteract positional power and passion can win over authority.

What to do:

Don't be scared to show how invested you are in your project. Make sure your passionate claims are well supported by facts.

Expertise

This component works best when leveraged together with emotion. If you can convince others of your passion and expertise you can dominate a conversation and make sure you're being heard. Again, preparation is key!

Body language

Good posture alone will not be your game changer if you don't have the other components in place. But if you do, it's incredibly important in increasing your natural authority.

What to do:

Work on your body language and your voice for example by filming yourself, by practicing in front of a mirror, or by doing "role plays" with peers.

If you found these tips helpful you might also benefit from the course "Become the CEO of your PHD".

In six modules you will learn how to take ownership and control over your PhD project and shape it so it contributes to your desired career path. If you're interested, DM me and you'll be the first to know when registration opens.