The Influential Unseen
· music
The Influential Unseen: How to Spot Power in Plain Sight
Mel Robbins’ recent interview with the Wall Street Journal has sparked a conversation about the often-overlooked dynamics of influence and power. As a seasoned podcaster and motivational speaker, Robbins has had her share of interacting with high-profile business leaders, but it’s not their titles or positions that hold the key to success – rather, it’s who they listen to, who advises them, and who quietly holds the reins.
Robbins’ advice is rooted in a valuable lesson she learned during her early days as a waitress at Red Rooster Tavern. Her mentor boss, Ruth, taught her that identifying the most influential person in a room isn’t about size or position – it’s about understanding whose opinions carry weight. Women often hold significant power of persuasion, influencing decisions through their partners and others.
In corporate settings, influence lies with those who have access to decision-makers, rather than those in high-profile positions themselves. As Robbins notes, it’s not always the CEO or executive in charge who holds true power – often, it’s their assistant, someone who has developed a relationship of trust and understanding with the person in authority.
Robbins cites an example about an assistant being the real power player behind-the-scenes, raising questions about how we perceive influence in our daily lives. Are we mistakenly focusing on those who hold the most visible positions? In various industries, recognizing who holds true influence can be a valuable career skill.
Pat Mitchell, former president of The Paley Center for Media, emphasizes the importance of purposeful relationships in career success. Building a strong network is not just about having connections with high-profile figures or social media influencers; it’s about cultivating meaningful relationships that provide guidance and support. As Mitchell puts it, “You can measure power by who you know and your ability to connect people.”
The story of Steven Bartlett’s chance encounter with an applicant who showed kindness and humility is a poignant example of how treating others with respect can open doors. In this age of social media, we often forget that connections are forged through genuine interactions, not just digital followings.
Robbins’ lesson about identifying influence in plain sight is a timely reminder to reevaluate our approach to networking and building relationships. By focusing on those who hold true power – often the unseen individuals behind the scenes – we can unlock new opportunities for growth and success.
Understanding the dynamics of influence is not a zero-sum game; rather, it’s about recognizing that power lies with those who have earned trust and respect from others. By shifting our focus towards these individuals and investing in genuine relationships, we create a more inclusive and equitable environment where everyone has a chance to succeed.
Reader Views
- TSThe Stage Desk · editorial
While Mel Robbins' insights on influence and power are spot-on, they neglect the darker side of behind-the-scenes dynamics. In many cases, those who whisper in decision-makers' ears may be more interested in serving their own agendas than the organization's best interests. It's essential to recognize that true influencers can also be manipulators, using their access for self-promotion or sabotage. To avoid being misled by charisma and influence, we must remain vigilant about accountability and scrutinize the motivations behind those who pull the strings from the shadows.
- IOImani O. · indie musician
The influencer landscape has us constantly chasing the wrong metrics: visibility and title over actual sway. But in corporate settings, the true power brokers often remain hidden – behind-the-scenes operators who've built relationships of trust with decision-makers, not just those holding the most visible positions. It's a delicate balance of access and advice that yields real influence. Pat Mitchell's emphasis on purposeful relationships is right on point, but we'd do well to remember that even the most connected people can be ineffective if their intentions aren't aligned with the greater good.
- KJKris J. · music critic
Mel Robbins' insight into the influencers behind the scenes resonates deeply with music industry professionals like myself. In our world, A&R reps and talent managers often wield more power than the artists themselves, shaping careers through strategic networking and backstage politicking. But what about the gatekeepers in the digital age? Algorithmic tastemakers and social media influencers hold significant sway over what gets heard and seen. How do we identify these unseen powers, and can their influence be harnessed for good or exploited for personal gain? These are crucial questions to answer in today's music landscape.