You don’t need a title to build traction. You need a test-and-learn mindset.
You know those lulls that happen at work? When everything's a little quieter?
The deadlines don’t disappear, but the intensity dips just enough to exhale.
I love those periods, whether it's a day or a week in your calendar, because they are the perfect time to experiment.
Not with major moves or big reveals.
But with small, low-risk actions that quietly build your influence—one thoughtful step at a time.
We often think of influence as something you either have or don’t. A product of seniority, charisma, or some mystical ability to "own the room."
But most influence? It’s built. Intentionally. And often invisibly at first.
This is your cue to start small.
Here’s how to run a few “test and learn” experiments this summer without needing permission, a new role, or a full-blown plan.
1️⃣ Pilot an idea—just enough to get feedback.
Have a process improvement in mind? A content suggestion? A better way to structure the team meeting?
Frame it as an experiment:
“I’ve been thinking about something that might make this easier—can I test it out this week?”
You’re not staking your reputation. You’re inviting a trial.
2️⃣ Share your thinking before it’s “done.”
Influence isn’t just what you say, it’s how you shape conversations.
This week, try posting a reflection or question in Slack, Teams, or LinkedIn. It doesn’t have to be polished. Just thoughtful.
Something like: “Noticing a pattern in how we handle X—curious how others are thinking about it?”
See who responds. That’s signal.
3️⃣ Offer value quietly.
Drop a resource in your team chat. Send a peer a relevant article or podcast. Help someone frame their idea more clearly before the big meeting.
These small moments add up. People remember who made their day easier or more insightful.
And when someone says, “Hey, that was smart,” or “Can you share that in our next team meeting?”
It's "Golden" (to borrow from KPop's Huntrix).
That’s how influence grows. Not with fanfare. But with intention.
So, what’s one test you can try this week?
Until next time…
Mal
Founder, The Ideas Accelerator
Helping you grow your career with strategic insight and smarter tools.