The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Influence INFL

The reach and impact of your decisions and actions, both within and outside the organization.

SFIA 9 is in development

  • SFIA 9 planned for publication October 2024
  • This is subject to change before publication.

Guidance notes

Influence in SFIA represents a progression from limited impact on immediate colleagues to shaping organisational strategies and industry trends. It involves:

  • expanding the sphere of interaction and impact
  • progressing from transactional to strategic interactions
  • engaging with increasingly senior contacts
  • making decisions with growing organisational impact
  • shaping team, departmental and organisational direction.

It interacts closely with other attributes such as, communication and leadership. As professionals advance, their influence increasingly contributes to organisational success, innovation and competitive positioning.

This attribute reflects the reach and impact of decisions and actions, both within and outside the organisation. It progresses from awareness of how one's work supports others to directing the strategic development of the entire organisation and beyond. 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.