Source: Fortune.com
Summary
Mel Robbins, a multimillion-dollar podcaster, learned from her first job as a waitress how to identify influential people. Her mentor, Ruth, taught her to focus on those who influence decision-makers, not just those in visible roles. Robbins applied this lesson in corporate settings, noting that assistants or close advisors often hold real power. She emphasized that influence is not always tied to titles or positions. Others, like Pat Mitchell and Steven Bartlett, have also highlighted the importance of relationships and small gestures in career success.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Ruth taught Mel Robbins to look past titles and focus on influence.
Power in corporations often lies with assistants and advisors.
Kindness and attention to detail can open doors.
Real power is often hidden behind the scenes.
Author: Evan Null
How Influence Works in Unexpected Places
Robbins’ early experience as a waitress taught her that influence isn’t always obvious. She learned to identify who truly holds power by observing who affects decisions. This lesson carried over into her career, where she noticed that influence often comes from those close to decision-makers, not just the ones in charge. The key was understanding who had the ear of the people with real authority.
Her mentor, Ruth, emphasized that the people who give tips aren’t always the ones making the final decision. Similarly, in corporate settings, the person who controls access or has a direct line to leadership can be the real power player. This insight helped Robbins navigate both the restaurant industry and the world of business.
Robbins’ approach challenges the assumption that power is always visible. She argues that the most influential people are often those who are overlooked, such as assistants or advisors. These individuals can determine who gets a meeting, a promotion, or a chance to prove themselves. Recognizing this can be a crucial career skill.
Her experience aligns with other business leaders who have stressed the value of relationships and networking. Pat Mitchell, for example, emphasized that power comes from connecting people, not just knowing them. This perspective suggests that influence is not just about status, but about relationships and access.
Robbins’ story highlights how small observations can lead to big career advantages. Whether in a restaurant or a boardroom, the ability to spot influence can make a difference. It’s not about who has the title, but who has the power to shape outcomes.
The Hidden Power of Relationships
Robbins’ approach to identifying influence is rooted in observation and understanding. She learned that the person with the most power isn’t always the one with the most authority. Instead, it’s often the one who has a direct line to those in charge. This insight has helped her build a successful career and connect with influential people across different industries.
Her mentor, Ruth, taught her that influence is not about who is in the spotlight, but who is shaping the decisions behind the scenes. This lesson has been valuable in both her personal and professional life. It has helped her navigate corporate environments and understand how real power is often wielded by those who are not in the public eye.
Robbins’ experience also shows that influence can come from unexpected places. In a corporate setting, it might be an assistant who controls access to a leader, or a colleague who has a strong network. These individuals can have a significant impact on career opportunities and business outcomes. Recognizing this can help professionals build better relationships and gain access to the right people.
Her story also highlights the importance of treating everyone with respect. Small gestures, like thanking a security guard, can leave a lasting impression and open doors. This aligns with the experiences of others, like Steven Bartlett, who valued kindness and humility over traditional credentials when making hiring decisions.
Ultimately, Robbins’ lesson is about understanding how influence works in different settings. Whether in a restaurant or a boardroom, the ability to recognize and connect with the right people can be a powerful career tool. It’s not just about who you know, but who knows you and can help you move forward.
Why Influence Matters in Career Growth
Robbins’ early lessons about influence have had a lasting impact on her career. She learned that the most powerful people are often not the ones with the most visible roles. Instead, they are the ones who have the ability to shape decisions and control access. This understanding has helped her build a network of influential contacts and navigate the business world more effectively.
Her experience shows that influence is not always tied to formal titles or positions. In many cases, it’s the people who are closest to decision-makers who have the most impact. These individuals can determine who gets opportunities, who is heard, and who is overlooked. Recognizing this can be a valuable skill for anyone looking to advance their career.
Robbins’ mentor, Ruth, taught her to focus on the people who have the power to influence others. This approach has helped her build strong relationships and gain access to key decision-makers. It also highlights the importance of paying attention to the people who are often ignored or undervalued, such as assistants or support staff.
Her insights align with those of other business leaders who have emphasized the value of relationships and networking. Pat Mitchell, for example, has long advocated for building strong connections and being a connector rather than just a name on a list. This perspective suggests that influence is not just about power, but about relationships and the ability to bring people together.
Robbins’ story shows that understanding how influence works can be a powerful tool for career growth. Whether in a restaurant, a corporate office, or a startup, the ability to recognize and connect with the right people can make a significant difference in one’s professional journey.
Small Gestures and Big Opportunities
Robbins’ experience highlights how small actions can have a big impact on career opportunities. She learned that the people who have the most influence are often the ones who are not in the spotlight. These individuals can determine who gets a chance to prove themselves, who is given a promotion, or who is overlooked. Recognizing this can be a valuable skill for anyone looking to build a successful career.
Her mentor, Ruth, taught her that the people who give tips are not always the ones making the final decision. Similarly, in corporate settings, the person who controls access or has a direct line to leadership can be the real power player. This insight has helped Robbins navigate different industries and build relationships with influential people.
Robbins’ story also shows that influence is not always about status or titles. It’s often about relationships and the ability to connect with the right people. This is why small gestures, like showing kindness or respect, can make a big difference. These actions can leave a lasting impression and open doors to new opportunities.
Her approach aligns with other business leaders who have emphasized the value of networking and building strong relationships. Pat Mitchell, for example, has long advocated for connecting people and building a strong network. This perspective suggests that influence is not just about power, but about relationships and the ability to bring people together.
Ultimately, Robbins’ lessons about influence and relationships can be applied in many different settings. Whether in a restaurant, a corporate office, or a startup, the ability to recognize and connect with the right people can be a powerful tool for career growth and success.
