The art of influence

We came across an excellent article on the power of "hard" and "soft" influence by Major General MacKay detailing the thinking and action that led to achieving a key strategic aim in Afghanistan in 2007.    Some simple and powerful reminders for business came out of it:

1. In an influencing situation be crystal clear on the outcome you need to achieve.  Sounds obvious but are we all aligned and clear on what we need out of the situation?
2. Do your homework.  Who are the key people we must influence and who can help us influence them?  Do I know who the key players are? Are there others who I may not have considered?  
3. Plan, plan and plan again.   While plans rarely remain intact once activity begins, the process of planning prepares us for different eventualities.
4. From complex to simple.   Planning is  (and should be) a  complex process.  The communication of the plan must be simple, crisp and memorable.   A powerful example of this is the one page outline below containing all of the information required for those "on the ground" to develop and execute against the higher intent.  Can your organisation's intent be explained and shared  in a meaningful way on one page?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-ff9a9c01-faa4-4038-b4e9-83e619460e1f