Being early in your career doesn’t mean you’re powerless. In fact, some of the most influential people inside an organization aren’t managers or directors — they’re entry-level professionals who show strong judgment, communicate clearly, and build trust long before they ever lead a team. For LGBTQ+ workers especially, gaining influence early can help create safer environments, increase visibility, and open doors to future opportunities. Influence isn’t about hierarchy; it’s about how you show up. Here’s how to build it from day one.
Start With Excellence: Skill Mastery Is Influence
At the entry level, one of the most effective ways to build influence is by being excellent at what you’re responsible for. When people know they can rely on you, they begin to include you in conversations, seek your perspective, and trust you with more meaningful work.
This can look like:
- Asking clarifying questions early
- Learning systems and processes deeply
- Following through on commitments
- Delivering work that’s thorough and on time
Influence begins with credibility — and credibility begins with consistency.
Communicate Clearly, Even When You’re New
Entry-level professionals often underestimate how much influence they can build through communication alone. Being someone who is clear, concise, and thoughtful makes you stand out quickly.
You can build communication influence by:
- Summarizing complex information in simple terms
- Providing concise project updates
- Offering observations in meetings when appropriate
- Showing curiosity rather than pretending to know everything
Curiosity, not perfection, earns respect.
Be a Connector: Build Relationships Across the Organization
Many people assume networking starts after a promotion — but entry-level employees have unique access. You’re often rotating on projects, collaborating across departments, and learning from people with diverse roles.
Building influence socially can include:
- Introducing yourself to colleagues you admire
- Participating in employee resource groups or social committees
- Showing appreciation for others’ work
- Being reliable and kind — which people remember
Influence grows wherever trust grows.
Bring a Solutions-Oriented Mindset
Even as an entry-level employee, you can be known as someone who moves the team forward. You don’t need all the answers — just a willingness to think constructively.
A solutions-oriented approach might look like:
- Pairing problems with possible next steps
- Volunteering to help when you see a gap
- Sharing ideas respectfully
- Bringing attention to issues early, before they escalate
You quickly become someone coworkers rely on — which is the foundation of influence.
Use Emotional Intelligence as a Leadership Tool
LGBTQ+ professionals often develop strong emotional intelligence from navigating identity, relationships, and environments. This can become a leadership asset long before you have a title.
Emotional intelligence shows up in:
- Listening well
- Managing your reactions under stress
- Being thoughtful in disagreements
- Encouraging collaboration
- Recognizing when teammates need support
This creates psychological safety — a key marker of workplace influence.
Take Initiative, But Be Strategic
Entry-level employees build influence by stepping up — not by overextending themselves. Choose opportunities that align with your strengths or spark genuine interest. Even leading a small subtask or optimizing a process shows emerging leadership.
Initiative is memorable.
Influence Is Not About Age, Tenure, or Title — It’s About Impact
Entry-level professionals contribute far more to culture, collaboration, and innovation than they’re often credited for. By building trust, communicating clearly, and showing leadership in small ways, you can shape your workplace from your very first year.
Influence isn’t something you wait for — it’s something you build.
