The Art of Influence: Developing Key Skills
Influence is a powerful tool. It shapes our decisions, sways our opinions, and guides our actions.
Yet, wielding influence is an art. It requires a unique blend of skills, personality traits, and strategies.
In this article, we delve into the world of influence-building techniques. We explore the skills and traits that make a person influential.
We also examine the strategies that can help you motivate and influence others. Whether in your personal life or professional sphere, these techniques can be transformative.
Influence is not about manipulation. It’s about understanding, connecting, and inspiring. It’s about leading with authenticity and integrity.
Influence is also about adaptability. It’s about adjusting your approach to different people and situations.
This article is a comprehensive guide. It’s designed to help you develop your influence skills.
You’ll learn about the psychology behind influence. You’ll understand the role of emotional intelligence in persuasion.
You’ll discover the power of active listening and effective communication. You’ll see how storytelling can be a potent tool for persuasion.
You’ll also learn how to build trust and rapport. You’ll understand how to leverage social proof and authority to gain influence.
Whether you’re a seasoned leader or an aspiring influencer, this guide is for you. It’s time to master the art of influence.
Let’s embark on this journey together. Let’s unlock your potential to inspire, motivate, and influence.
Understanding Influence and Its Significance
Influence is the ability to shape thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It’s about guiding others towards a desired outcome.
But influence extends beyond mere persuasion. It’s about creating an impact. It’s about making a difference.
Influence plays a crucial role in our personal and professional lives. It’s a key component of leadership, negotiation, and relationship-building.
In the workplace, influence can help you drive change. It can help you inspire your team, win over clients, and navigate office politics.
In your personal life, influence can help you build strong relationships. It can help you communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and achieve your goals.
The Psychology Behind Influence
Influence is deeply rooted in psychology. It’s about understanding human behavior and motivation.
The principles of persuasion, as outlined by psychologist Robert Cialdini, provide a framework for influence. These principles include reciprocity, commitment and consistency, social proof, authority, liking, and scarcity.
Reciprocity is the idea that people feel obligated to return favors. Commitment and consistency refer to our desire to act in ways that align with our beliefs and previous actions.
Social proof is the concept that people look to others to determine how to behave. Authority is the idea that people tend to obey figures of authority. Liking refers to the fact that we are more likely to be influenced by people we like.
Scarcity is the principle that people value things more when they are rare or hard to obtain. Understanding these principles can help you become more influential.
Emotional Intelligence: The Heart of Influence
Emotional intelligence is a key component of influence. It’s the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions and the emotions of others.
Influential people are often those who can empathize with others. They understand their feelings and needs. This understanding allows them to connect on a deeper level.
Emotional intelligence also involves self-awareness. Influential people are aware of their own emotions and how they affect their behavior. They can regulate their emotions to respond appropriately in different situations.
Moreover, emotional intelligence includes social skills. Influential people can navigate social networks and build strong relationships. They can manage conflicts and inspire others.
In essence, emotional intelligence is about understanding and managing emotions. It’s a crucial skill for building influence.
Key Personality Traits of Influential People
Influential people often share certain personality traits. These traits enable them to inspire, motivate, and lead others effectively.
One key trait is confidence. Influential people believe in themselves and their abilities. This self-assuredness often inspires trust and respect from others.
Another important trait is resilience. Influential people face challenges and setbacks with a positive attitude. They see failures as opportunities for learning and growth, not as roadblocks.
Influential people are also excellent communicators. They can clearly express their thoughts and ideas. They are good listeners too, showing genuine interest in what others have to say.
Lastly, influential people are authentic. They stay true to their values and beliefs, even when faced with opposition. This authenticity helps them build strong, lasting relationships.
Mastering Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation
Self-awareness and self-regulation are crucial for building influence. They form the foundation of emotional intelligence, a key factor in effective leadership.
Self-awareness involves understanding your emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and values. It’s about knowing how your actions affect others. This understanding allows you to manage your behavior and make better decisions.
Self-regulation, on the other hand, is about controlling your emotions. It’s the ability to stay calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It helps you respond to situations in a thoughtful, deliberate manner, rather than reacting impulsively.
Developing self-awareness and self-regulation requires practice. It involves introspection, feedback from others, and mindfulness exercises. Over time, these skills can significantly enhance your ability to influence others.
In conclusion, mastering self-awareness and self-regulation is a vital step in becoming an influential leader. It allows you to lead with empathy, make sound decisions, and build strong relationships.
The Power of Active Listening
Active listening is a powerful tool in building influence. It involves fully focusing on the speaker, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully. It’s more than just hearing words; it’s about understanding the emotions and intentions behind them.
When you listen actively, you show respect for the speaker. You validate their feelings and make them feel heard. This builds trust and rapport, which are essential for influence.
Active listening also helps you gather valuable information. You can understand people’s needs, concerns, and perspectives better. This knowledge can guide your actions and decisions, making your influence more effective.
However, active listening is not easy. It requires patience, concentration, and the ability to suppress your judgments and reactions. It’s a skill that needs to be practiced and honed over time.
In conclusion, active listening is a key skill for building influence. It helps you build strong relationships, make informed decisions, and lead with empathy.
Effective Communication: Verbal and Non-Verbal Techniques
Effective communication is a cornerstone of influence. It involves both verbal and non-verbal techniques. Verbal communication is about the words you use, while non-verbal communication involves your body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions.
Verbal communication is crucial for conveying your ideas and intentions. It’s important to choose your words carefully to avoid misunderstandings. Be clear, concise, and specific. Use simple language that your audience can understand. Also, consider the emotional impact of your words. They can inspire, motivate, and persuade others.
Non-verbal communication, on the other hand, is often more powerful than words. It includes your gestures, posture, eye contact, and facial expressions. These signals can reinforce or contradict your words. For example, if you say you’re confident but your body language shows nervousness, people may not believe you.
Effective non-verbal communication also involves understanding others’ signals. By observing their body language, you can gauge their feelings and reactions. This can help you adapt your approach and improve your influence.
In conclusion, effective communication, both verbal and non-verbal, is essential for influence. It helps you express your ideas, understand others, and build strong relationships. It’s a skill that requires continuous learning and practice.
Storytelling as a Tool for Persuasion
Storytelling is a powerful tool for persuasion. It’s a way to connect with others on an emotional level. Stories can captivate, inspire, and motivate people. They can make complex ideas more understandable and memorable.
A good story has a clear structure. It has a beginning, middle, and end. It introduces a problem or conflict, presents a journey, and concludes with a resolution. This structure helps to engage the audience and keep their attention.
To use storytelling for influence, you need to make your story relevant to your audience. It should resonate with their experiences, values, and aspirations. It should evoke emotions that drive them to action. For example, a story about overcoming challenges can inspire people to persevere in difficult situations.
Moreover, storytelling is not just about telling your own stories. It’s also about listening to others’ stories. By showing empathy and understanding, you can build stronger connections. This can enhance your influence and credibility.
In conclusion, storytelling is a valuable skill for influence. It allows you to connect with others, convey your message, and inspire action. Like any skill, it requires practice and refinement. So, start telling your stories and see the impact they can make.
Building Rapport and Trust
Building rapport and trust is crucial in influence. Rapport is a sense of harmony, understanding, and mutual trust. It’s about creating a positive connection with others. Trust, on the other hand, is the belief in someone’s reliability, truth, or ability.
To build rapport, you need to show genuine interest in others. You need to listen actively and empathize with their feelings. You should also find common ground and shared interests. This can help to break down barriers and foster a sense of camaraderie.
Trust is built over time through consistent actions. You need to be reliable and keep your promises. You should also be honest and transparent in your communication. This can help to establish your credibility and integrity.
Moreover, showing respect and appreciation can enhance trust. You should value others’ opinions and acknowledge their contributions. You should also be willing to admit your mistakes and learn from them. This can show your humility and authenticity.
In conclusion, building rapport and trust is a key influence skill. It’s about creating positive relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. It’s about proving your reliability and integrity through consistent actions. So, invest time in building rapport and trust, and see how it can boost your influence.
Leveraging Social Proof in Influence
Social proof is a powerful influence technique. It’s the idea that people are more likely to follow a course of action if they see others doing it. It’s about leveraging the power of the crowd to sway individual behavior.
One way to use social proof is through testimonials and reviews. If people see others praising your product or service, they’re more likely to trust it. This is why businesses often showcase customer testimonials on their websites and social media platforms.
Another way is through endorsements from influencers or experts. If a respected authority in your field recommends your offering, it can significantly boost your credibility. This is why many brands collaborate with influencers or industry experts for promotional campaigns.
You can also use social proof by highlighting the number of customers or users you have. If people see that many others are using your product or service, they’re more likely to try it themselves. This is why businesses often display user counts or customer numbers in their marketing materials.
In conclusion, social proof is a potent tool for influence. It’s about leveraging the behavior of the crowd to influence individual decisions. So, consider how you can use social proof in your influence strategies, and see how it can enhance your persuasive power.
Authority and Expertise: Gaining Influence
Authority and expertise are key factors in gaining influence. When you’re recognized as an expert in your field, people are more likely to listen to you and value your opinions. This is why building your expertise and establishing your authority are crucial steps in developing influence.
One way to build your expertise is through continuous learning. Stay updated with the latest trends and developments in your field. Attend seminars, read books, and take courses to deepen your knowledge. The more you know, the more you can share, and the more influential you can become.
Establishing your authority, on the other hand, involves demonstrating your expertise. You can do this by sharing your knowledge through blogs, podcasts, or social media. You can also speak at industry events or contribute to professional publications. These activities not only showcase your expertise but also position you as a thought leader in your field.
Remember, authority and expertise don’t come overnight. They require time, effort, and dedication. But once you’ve established them, they can significantly enhance your influence.
In conclusion, authority and expertise are powerful tools for influence. By building your expertise and establishing your authority, you can gain the trust and respect of others, making you a more influential figure in your field.
Reciprocity and Personalization in Influencing Others
Reciprocity is a powerful principle in human relationships, including influence. It’s based on the idea that people feel obliged to give back when they receive something. In the context of influence, this could mean offering help, sharing valuable information, or providing support to others. When you do something beneficial for someone, they’re more likely to want to return the favor.
Personalization, on the other hand, involves tailoring your approach to the individual you’re trying to influence. This means understanding their needs, interests, and values, and aligning your message accordingly. Personalization makes your interactions more meaningful and impactful, increasing your influence.
Combining reciprocity and personalization can be particularly effective. For example, if you know someone is passionate about a particular cause, you could support that cause in some way. This not only demonstrates reciprocity but also shows that you’ve taken the time to understand their interests.
However, it’s important to use these techniques authentically. People can tell when you’re being insincere or manipulative. Genuine acts of kindness and personalized interactions are more likely to build lasting influence.
In conclusion, reciprocity and personalization are valuable techniques for building influence. By giving to others and tailoring your approach to their needs and interests, you can create stronger connections and become more influential.
Adapting to Different Communication Styles
Influence often hinges on effective communication. However, not everyone communicates in the same way. Some people are direct and to the point, while others prefer a more diplomatic approach. Some are detail-oriented, while others focus on the big picture. Understanding these differences and adapting your communication style accordingly can greatly enhance your influence.
For instance, if you’re dealing with a detail-oriented person, provide them with thorough information and explanations. On the other hand, if you’re communicating with a big-picture thinker, focus on the overall vision or goal. This shows respect for their communication style and makes your message more compelling to them.
Adapting to different communication styles also involves being aware of cultural differences. In some cultures, direct communication is appreciated, while in others, it may be seen as rude or aggressive. By being sensitive to these cultural nuances, you can communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.
Non-verbal communication is another important aspect to consider. This includes body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. These non-verbal cues can convey a lot about your intentions and emotions, so it’s important to ensure they align with your verbal message.
In conclusion, adapting to different communication styles is a key influence-building technique. By tailoring your communication to the individual’s style and cultural background, and paying attention to non-verbal cues, you can become a more effective and influential communicator.
Consistency and Authenticity: The Pillars of Influence
Influence is not just about persuading others to see things your way. It’s about earning their trust and respect. And two key factors that contribute to this are consistency and authenticity.
Consistency means being reliable and predictable in your actions and decisions. It’s about following through on your promises and commitments. When people see that you are consistent, they are more likely to trust you and value your opinions. They know they can count on you to do what you say you will do.
Authenticity, on the other hand, is about being genuine and true to yourself. It’s about expressing your true thoughts and feelings, rather than trying to conform to what you think others want to hear. Authenticity builds trust because it shows that you are not trying to manipulate or deceive others.
However, being authentic doesn’t mean sharing every thought or feeling that comes to mind. It’s about being honest and transparent in a respectful and considerate way. It’s about being true to your values and principles, even when it’s difficult or unpopular.
In conclusion, consistency and authenticity are crucial for building influence. By being reliable and genuine, you can earn the trust and respect of others, making them more likely to value your opinions and follow your lead.
Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills
Influence is not just about getting your way. It’s also about finding common ground and resolving conflicts in a way that benefits everyone involved. This is where conflict resolution and negotiation skills come into play.
Conflict resolution involves identifying and addressing disagreements in a constructive manner. It’s about understanding the perspectives of all parties involved and finding a solution that satisfies everyone’s needs and interests. This requires patience, empathy, and active listening.
Negotiation, on the other hand, is a process of reaching an agreement through discussion and compromise. It’s about finding a balance between standing your ground and being flexible. It’s about understanding the other party’s needs and interests, and finding a solution that benefits both sides.
Both conflict resolution and negotiation require a high level of emotional intelligence. You need to be able to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as those of others. You also need to be able to communicate effectively and assertively, without resorting to aggression or manipulation.
In conclusion, conflict resolution and negotiation skills are crucial for building influence. By resolving conflicts in a constructive manner and negotiating effectively, you can build stronger relationships and achieve better outcomes.
Vision and Inspiration in Leadership
Influence in leadership is often tied to the ability to inspire others. This inspiration often stems from a clear and compelling vision. A vision serves as a roadmap, guiding individuals and teams towards a common goal.
Leaders with a strong vision can paint a vivid picture of the future. They can articulate what success looks like and how to achieve it. This clarity can motivate others to action, driving them to contribute their best efforts towards the shared goal.
Inspiration, on the other hand, is about sparking enthusiasm and passion. Influential leaders can ignite a fire within their team members, encouraging them to strive for excellence. They do this by connecting the vision to the values and aspirations of their team.
However, vision and inspiration alone are not enough. Leaders must also demonstrate the skills and commitment necessary to realize the vision. They must lead by example, showing their team that they are willing to roll up their sleeves and work towards the vision.
In conclusion, vision and inspiration are key components of influential leadership. By articulating a clear vision and inspiring their team, leaders can motivate others to action and drive them towards a common goal.
Constructive Feedback: A Tool for Enhancing Influence
Feedback is a powerful tool in the arsenal of an influential person. It serves as a mirror, reflecting the impact of our actions and behaviors on others. Constructive feedback, when delivered effectively, can foster growth, improve performance, and build stronger relationships.
Influential people understand the value of feedback. They know that it’s not just about pointing out flaws or mistakes. Instead, it’s about helping others see their potential and guiding them towards improvement. They deliver feedback in a way that is clear, specific, and focused on behavior rather than personal traits.
However, giving feedback is only half of the equation. Receiving feedback is equally important. Influential people are open to feedback, viewing it as an opportunity to learn and grow. They listen with an open mind, ask for clarification when needed, and take action based on the feedback received.
Moreover, influential people understand the importance of timing in giving feedback. They know that feedback is most effective when it is timely, relevant, and delivered in a supportive manner. They also recognize that feedback should be balanced, combining positive reinforcement with suggestions for improvement.
In conclusion, constructive feedback is a key tool for enhancing influence. By giving and receiving feedback effectively, influential people can foster growth, improve performance, and build stronger relationships. They understand that feedback is not just about criticism, but about helping others realize their potential and guiding them towards improvement.
Assertiveness and Empathy: Striking the Balance
Assertiveness and empathy may seem like opposing forces. However, in the realm of influence, they can work together harmoniously. Striking the right balance between these two traits is crucial for effective influence.
Assertiveness is about expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs in a direct and respectful manner. It’s about standing up for your rights without violating the rights of others. Influential people are assertive. They communicate their expectations clearly and are not afraid to voice their opinions.
On the other hand, empathy is about understanding and sharing the feelings of others. It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and seeing things from their perspective. Influential people are empathetic. They listen attentively, show genuine concern, and validate others’ feelings.
Balancing assertiveness and empathy is not always easy. It requires self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and practice. However, when done right, it can significantly enhance your influence. You can be assertive without being aggressive, and empathetic without being passive.
In conclusion, assertiveness and empathy are both essential for influence. By striking the right balance, you can communicate effectively, build strong relationships, and influence others in a positive and respectful manner.
Influencing Without Authority: Strategies and Techniques
Influencing without authority is a skill that can be invaluable in many situations. Whether you’re a team member, a project manager, or an individual contributor, there will be times when you need to persuade others without having formal authority over them.
One effective strategy is to build strong relationships. This involves understanding others’ needs, showing empathy, and providing value. When you have a good relationship with someone, they are more likely to listen to your ideas and take your suggestions into consideration.
Another strategy is to leverage your expertise. If you are knowledgeable in a certain area, people will respect your opinions and be more inclined to follow your lead. Therefore, it’s important to continuously learn and improve your skills.
Communication is also key. You need to articulate your ideas clearly and persuasively. This involves not only what you say, but also how you say it. Non-verbal cues, such as body language and tone of voice, can significantly impact how your message is received.
Lastly, it’s important to be patient and persistent. Influencing without authority often takes time. You may face resistance or setbacks along the way. However, by staying committed and consistently demonstrating your value, you can gradually earn others’ trust and influence their decisions.
In conclusion, influencing without authority is a powerful skill that can help you achieve your goals and make a positive impact. By building relationships, leveraging your expertise, communicating effectively, and being patient, you can influence others even without formal authority.
Digital Influence: Social Media and Beyond
In the digital age, influence extends beyond face-to-face interactions. Social media platforms, blogs, and online communities have become powerful tools for building influence. They allow us to reach a wider audience and engage with people from all over the world.
One key aspect of digital influence is content creation. By sharing valuable and engaging content, you can establish yourself as a thought leader in your field. This can attract followers, spark discussions, and enhance your online reputation. It’s important to be consistent and authentic in your content to build trust and credibility.
Another aspect is engagement. This involves responding to comments, participating in discussions, and building relationships with your followers. By being active and responsive, you can foster a sense of community and make your followers feel valued.
In addition, leveraging the power of social proof can enhance your digital influence. This can be achieved by showcasing testimonials, endorsements, and success stories. When people see that others trust and value your insights, they are more likely to do the same.
Lastly, it’s important to stay updated with the latest digital trends and technologies. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the curve can help you maintain your influence. This includes understanding the algorithms of social media platforms, exploring new forms of content like podcasts or webinars, and leveraging analytics to understand your audience better.
In conclusion, digital influence is a crucial aspect of influence-building in today’s world. By creating valuable content, engaging with your audience, leveraging social proof, and staying updated with digital trends, you can expand your influence beyond traditional boundaries.
Ethical Considerations in Influence
Influence is a powerful tool. It can inspire, motivate, and drive change. However, it’s crucial to use it responsibly. Ethical considerations should always be at the forefront when applying influence-building techniques.
One key ethical consideration is honesty. Influential people should always strive to be truthful in their communication. Misleading or deceptive tactics can damage trust and credibility. It’s important to present information accurately and transparently, even when it’s not in your favor.
Another consideration is respect for autonomy. This means recognizing and respecting the right of others to make their own decisions. Influence should not be used to manipulate or coerce people into doing something against their will. Instead, it should be used to provide insights and perspectives that can help them make informed decisions.
Additionally, influential people should be aware of the potential impact of their actions. They should consider the potential consequences and strive to minimize harm. This includes considering the emotional, psychological, and social impact of their influence tactics.
Lastly, influential people should strive to promote fairness and equality. They should avoid using their influence to perpetuate discrimination or injustice. Instead, they should use their influence to advocate for fairness and equality.
In conclusion, ethical considerations are a crucial aspect of influence-building. By being honest, respecting autonomy, considering the impact of their actions, and promoting fairness, influential people can ensure that their influence is used responsibly and ethically.
Building a Personal Brand for Influence
Building a personal brand is a key aspect of influence-building. Your personal brand is essentially your reputation. It’s how people perceive you, and it can significantly impact your ability to influence others.
A strong personal brand is built on authenticity. It’s about being true to who you are and what you stand for. Authenticity fosters trust and credibility, which are crucial for influence. It’s important to consistently demonstrate your values and principles in your actions and communications.
Your personal brand should also reflect your expertise and authority in your field. This can be achieved through continuous learning and development, as well as by sharing your knowledge and insights with others. By positioning yourself as an expert, you can increase your influence and impact.
Moreover, your personal brand should be unique and distinctive. It should set you apart from others and highlight your unique strengths and qualities. This can be achieved through your communication style, your personal story, and your unique perspective and insights.
In conclusion, building a personal brand is a powerful influence-building technique. By being authentic, demonstrating your expertise, and highlighting your uniqueness, you can build a strong personal brand that enhances your influence and impact.
Cultural Intelligence in Global Influence
In today’s interconnected world, cultural intelligence is a vital influence-building skill. It involves understanding and respecting cultural differences and adapting your influence strategies accordingly. This is particularly important in global business contexts, where you may interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Cultural intelligence involves being aware of cultural norms and values, and understanding how they can impact communication and behavior. For example, in some cultures, direct communication is valued, while in others, indirect communication is preferred. Understanding these differences can help you adapt your communication style to be more effective.
Moreover, cultural intelligence involves showing respect for cultural differences. This can be demonstrated through your actions and behaviors, such as showing respect for cultural customs and traditions. By showing respect for other cultures, you can build trust and rapport, which are crucial for influence.
Cultural intelligence also involves being adaptable and flexible. This means being able to adjust your behavior and communication style to suit different cultural contexts. This adaptability can enhance your ability to influence others in diverse settings.
In conclusion, cultural intelligence is a key skill for global influence. By understanding and respecting cultural differences, and adapting your influence strategies accordingly, you can enhance your ability to influence others in diverse cultural contexts.
Exercises and Practices to Sharpen Your Influence Skills
Developing influence skills is not a one-time event. It requires continuous practice and refinement. There are several exercises and practices that can help you sharpen your influence skills.
One effective practice is role-playing. This involves practicing influence techniques in simulated scenarios. Role-playing can help you gain practical experience and receive immediate feedback on your performance. It can also help you understand different perspectives and adapt your influence strategies accordingly.
Another useful exercise is self-reflection. This involves taking time to reflect on your interactions and evaluate your influence techniques. Self-reflection can help you identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance your influence skills. It can also help you understand your strengths and leverage them effectively.
Practicing active listening is also crucial. This involves fully focusing on the speaker, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully. Active listening can help you build rapport and trust, which are key for influence.
Additionally, practicing effective communication, both verbal and non-verbal, can enhance your influence skills. This involves being clear, concise, and respectful in your communication. It also involves using body language effectively to convey your message.
In conclusion, continuous practice and refinement are key to developing influence skills. By incorporating exercises such as role-playing, self-reflection, active listening, and effective communication into your routine, you can sharpen your influence skills and become more effective in influencing others.
Conclusion: The Continuous Journey of Influence Skill Development
Influence is not a destination, but a journey. It’s a continuous process of learning, adapting, and refining. The art of influence is about developing key skills that enable you to motivate and inspire others.
The journey of influence skill development involves understanding the psychology behind influence. It requires emotional intelligence and the ability to adapt to different communication styles. It also involves mastering self-awareness and self-regulation, and leveraging social proof and authority.
The journey also involves building a personal brand that enhances your influence. It requires understanding and respecting cultural differences, and using digital platforms to expand your influence. It also involves ethical considerations, ensuring that your influence is used responsibly and positively.
The journey of influence skill development is also about resilience. It’s about handling rejection and setbacks, and continuously striving to improve. It’s about embracing feedback, learning from mistakes, and turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
In conclusion, the art of influence is a continuous journey of skill development. It’s about becoming a better listener, communicator, and leader. It’s about making a positive impact on others, and ultimately, on the world. So, embark on this journey with an open mind, a willing heart, and a commitment to continuous learning and growth.