The Uncomfortable Truth About Influence in Global Mobility

Episode Description

Many Global Mobility professionals assume that influence naturally follows expertise. The logic seems straightforward: become highly knowledgeable, deliver quality work, and decision-makers will seek your perspective.

In this episode, Ben explores why organizations often work differently. The discussion examines the factors that truly shape influence—including visibility, relationships, credibility, timing, and organizational awareness—and why technical expertise alone is rarely enough to shape important decisions.

What This Episode Covers

• why expertise and influence are not the same thing

• how visibility affects organizational influence

• the role of relationships and trust in shaping decisions

• why timing often matters as much as technical competence

• how organizational politics influence decision-making

Key Reflection Questions

• how visible is the value your team creates to senior decision-makers?

• are you typically shaping decisions or responding to them?

• which relationships give you influence beyond your technical expertise?

Key Insight

Influence is not a reward for expertise. It is a separate capability built through credibility, visibility, relationships, timing, and an understanding of how organizations really work.

Related Themes

This episode connects closely to discussions around strategic Global Mobility, stakeholder management, organizational politics, leadership influence, business partnering, and professional effectiveness.

Host

Hosted by Benjamin Bader, Professor of International HRM and co-founder of MasteringGM®.

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