The Four Languages of Influence {Part 5}

Dominion. Just the word carries weight, doesn’t it? According to Dictionary.com, “dominion” actually means “a territory in which a single rulership holds sway.” It also means, “the power or right to govern.”

The Dominion Language

So what is the Dominion Language all about? Power and control? No. It is about the presence some people carry that conveys authority and causes others to follow them. Dominion is a language often spoken by leaders.

Some Dominion speakers are playful and fun, others serious and competitive, and still others are invested in developing the potential of the people around them. Yet in all dialects, what Dominion speakers have in common is the desire to get the most out of the people they are speaking to, and motivate them in such a way that they will work toward whatever goal is presented.

Have you ever been at a party when someone walks in and seems to capture the attention of the entire room? They speak easily and comfortably and seem to make everyone feel at ease. Or perhaps a certain challenge was presented to your team and someone stepped up to take that challenge on behalf of everyone else and then pumped up the others, getting their buy-in for the win, as well. Or maybe you were at a staff meeting where people were called out and openly appreciated for their contributions to the team. In all of these scenarios there was a person speaking a language that persuaded others to like them and give their buy-in, or loyalty.

How do we speak the Dominion Language?

So how do we speak the Dominion Language? We think teamwork. We tell stories. We share something where we got buy-in. Incorporate stories that demonstrate teamwork. Dominion speakers are all about teams. They aren’t out for only themselves, but are out for the ones in their circle. They want to bring others along. They like to “win”, but sometimes a win is just getting that person who is standoffish to warm up.

So when you have the opportunity to speak to a person who speaks Dominion, share how what you are saying affects the whole. The team. Now I am certainly not advocating that you make up a story. I am just suggesting that perhaps we don’t always tell the story. We jump to the finish line without unfolding how we got there. And if a Dominion speaker can see that you got somewhere by bringing along a team, you will likely have their ear.

Practice the Four Languages of Influence this week: Liaison, Information, Active and Dominion. See how much more you are heard. And watch for the assessment next week to see how well you learned!