Tiptoeing to Win Influence

Are You Tiptoeing to Win Influence?

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been watching a familiar leadership pattern play out in public governance.

As tensions escalated in Minneapolis, Governor Walz found himself navigating a delicate leadership dynamic. He’s responsible for outcomes on the ground yet operating within the limits of authority that ultimately sat higher up the chain. Each move required restraint. Each decision demanded intentional influence rather than control.

What stood out wasn’t the politics. It was a masterclass of a leadership paradox.

Authority was limited. Responsibility was immense. Accountability, however, was widely diluted, leaving immediate leaders constrained, yet exposed.

This observation is not only unique to public governance. It’s the same dynamic that plays out every day in corporate America. But just at scale. In high-stakes moments, leaders are often held accountable for outcomes they can’t fully control. Progress depends less on issuing commands, and more on their ability to influence others who hold more authority.

And that raises a critical question:

How do you lead when you don’t have control?

When authority is limited, reputation becomes your currency for influence.

Leadership in these moments looks like:

• Managing perception before making demands
• Building collaboration instead of forcing alignment
• Forming coalitions rather than issuing directives
• Making strategic, thoughtful appeals up the chain
• Remaining fully accountable to your team and stakeholders

This is the quiet, uncomfortable work of leadership. The kind that doesn’t come with applause but builds credibility over time.

The true strength of your influence is revealed at the bottom of the food chain.

If those closest to the work don’t rally behind you, authority above you won’t matter. Sustainable influence is built when people below you believe in the same outcome and choose to move with you.

Many leaders stall here while others grow.

The difference isn’t power.

It’s influence under constraint.

 Have you ever carried responsibility without full authority—while still being expected to shape the outcome?

Clarity → Action → Impact

And one more thing.

If you feel invisible, the way out isn’t waiting to be seen. It’s choosing to stop being invisible.

Lead with integrity, and you won’t just feel different. You’ll make a different impact.

If this resonated, share it with someone who’s capable, trusted, and quietly holding back. And if you’re ready to understand exactly what’s constraining your visibility and influence right now,

👉Take my comprehensive assessment across the 7 Pillars of the Executive Leadership Operating System (ELOS) to uncover the top two roadblocks limiting your visibility, influence, and career growth: https://quiz.felixokoth.com

Remember:

Clarity leads to action. Action creates impact.

You don’t wait to feel ready. You begin to pedal — to become steady. 🚴

📩 Ready to go from invisible to influential? DM/message me for a free 1:1 strategy session to help you lead with Clarity, take bold, empowered action, and create lasting Impact in your life. Together, we’ll sharpen your vision, align your actions, and put wheels under your professional career journey.

🔁 Repost this newsletter to help 1M professionals accelerate their career growth, reclaim their confidence, and lead with purpose.

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Felix Okoth, PMP®

Executive Leadership Coach | Global Engineering Leader | Keynote Speaker | Author | Podcast Host

Helping purpose-driven professionals go From Invisible to Influential

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