Influence INFL
The reach and impact of your decisions and actions, both within and outside the organisation.
Guidance notes
Influence in SFIA reflects a progression from impacting immediate colleagues to shaping organisational direction. It involves:
- expanding the sphere of interaction and impact
- progressing from transactional to strategic interactions
- engaging with stakeholders, both internal and external, at increasing levels of seniority
- shaping decisions with growing organisational impact
- contributing to team, departmental and organisational direction.
Influence is closely linked with other attributes such as, communication and leadership. Effective influence develops through experience and interaction with more senior levels of the organisation and industry. This attribute reflects the reach and impact of decisions and actions, both within and outside the organisation.
As professionals advance, their influence extends beyond their team, contributing to strategic decisions and helping shape the organisation’s direction. It progresses from awareness of how one's work supports others to directing strategy at an organisational level. The extent of influence is often reflected in the nature of interactions, the level of contacts and the impact of decisions on organisational direction.
Level 1 - Follow
Works mostly on their own tasks and interacts with their immediate team only. Develops an understanding of how their work supports others.
Level 2 - Assist
Is expected to contribute to team discussions with immediate team members. Works alongside team members, contributing to team decisions. When the role requires, interacts with people outside their team, including internal colleagues and external contacts.
Level 3 - Apply
Works with and influences team decisions. Has a transactional level of contact with people outside their team, including internal colleagues and external contacts.
Level 4 - Enable
Influences projects and team objectives. Has a tactical level of contact with people outside their team, including internal colleagues and external contacts.
Level 5 - Ensure, advise
Influences critical decisions in their domain. Has operational level contact impacting execution and implementation with internal colleagues and external contacts. Has significant influence over the allocation and management of resources required to deliver projects.
Level 6 - Initiate, influence
Influences the formation of strategy and the execution of business plans. Has a significant management level of contact with internal colleagues and external contacts. Has organisational leadership and influence over the appointment and management of resources related to the implementation of strategic initiatives.
Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise
Directs, influences and inspires the strategic direction and development of the organisation. Has an extensive leadership level of contact with internal colleagues and external contacts. Authorises the appointment of required resources.