Which approach best demonstrates influence when leading a team?

• A. Command and control with limited input.
• B. Offer supportive guidance and remove obstacles.
• C. Empower team members with clear goals and accountability while providing feedback.
• D. Rely on external consultants.

Answer: (C)

Influence in leading a team shows up when you empower people to own their work while giving them direction and ongoing support. Empowering the team means granting autonomy and trust so individuals choose how to reach objectives, which boosts motivation, initiative, and commitment. Clear goals provide a concrete target and shared expectations, so everyone is pulling in the same direction and understands what success looks like. Accountability ensures people take responsibility for outcomes, which strengthens trust and drives consistent performance. Providing feedback keeps development on track, helps adjust course when needed, and reinforces the leader’s influence by coaching rather than simply directing.

Other approaches fall short because they either rely on authority to compel behavior, lack a mechanism for ownership and accountability, or depend on external help instead of building internal capability. By integrating empowerment, clear goals, accountability, and feedback, you influence the team in a sustainable way that grows their capability and performance.