If leadership is influence, can someone lead without influence?
I recently published an article about the 5 Most Influential People in the World. If you missed it, take a few seconds to read the post – it’s not what you might expect.
As I wrote about those influential people, I asked this question: What makes them influential?
After spending some time thinking about how leaders develop influence, here’s my list…
People with influence…
1. Give when they don’t have to
6. Facilitate life change in others
7. Handle hardships in a healthy way
What’s not required
I asked my wife, Sarah, to list the most influential people in her life a few weeks ago. After she listed several people, I realized that some of those on her list she has never met – never spoken to.
And that’s the incredible thing about leadership – it doesn’t require regular interaction with followers. In fact, influencing others does not require a direct relationship.
The truth is, you won’t be able to influence everyone. You won’t even be able to influence everyone you would like to influence. You’ll have to take Andy Stanley’s advice and do for a few what you’d like to do for many.
Those who are most influential in my life have influenced me because they patiently earned my trust and respect.
What is one characteristic of a leader who has influenced you greatly?
They don’t have to be right all the time…I respect people who are not afraid to be real, to err and to let their humanity show. Nobody is without weakness and flaws so when leaders act like they have none or never let us see them, I question their authenticity. When a leader is “real” it invites others to be the same and that’s the kind of place where I want to work, share, learn, take risks, etc.
Great thought, Karen – authenticity produces authenticity.
I would add that influential leaders work to build and maintain trust. Once you lose trust it is difficult, if not impossible, to lead or influence others.
True – good point. Several recent studies found that trust is a byproduct of performance. Meaning that success breeds trust – and influence.
In the past I would have assumed that team performance (or success) was a byproduct of trust.
One thing I’d add would be “write with passion”. Almost all of the greatest leaders in my life have also been people who have picked up the pen and put their passion onto paper. Writing not only helps communicate and influence others but also helps form and grow a leader.
I agree, Caleb. Writing helps me process what I am experiencing. And I’ve found that others are able to benefit from it because their experiences are similar.
A characteristic of a leader who has influenced me greatly is the same as what Joe said, caring. They took the time to show me kindness. Thanks for sharing, Michael.
Question about your blog: I use Standard Theme as well and I noticed that your blog doesn’t change to the mobile version when on my iPad or iPhone. Do you know what setting that is?
Thanks Drew – that’s important.
Re: mobile theme – I know I disabled it somehow. It’s usually under Appearance, but I was unable to locate it. Submit a ticket through the Standard site – they respond fairly quickly.
I have to go with the characteristic of caring for others. There’s nothing a leader can do that will affect someone’s life more than caring for them.
I agree. And we have to slow down long enough to connect and care.
You’re right Joe, and I never forgot those leaders that cared for me!
Check out this image to sum up leadership in 3 seconds called Boss Vs Leader!!!…I stumbled upon it on Twitter by @paularmstrong. https://twitter.com/Judeontheweb/status/329947722419404800/photo/1
That’s a great illustration of what a leader does Jude. They get out in the front and help pull the load.
Thanks Joe! Yes, it really inspired me! A leader understands the workload and challenges of the team, is not afraid of getting their hands dirty with hard work and leading from the front to ensure everyone is recognised for their ‘team work’.
Yes – and they inspire others to do the same. Thanks man.
Wow – that is great. Thanks Jude!
Ironically I was thinking about the topic of influence as I drove home last night from a get-together with a few of my former employees. One of them told me that I have had a major impact on his career and had been influential in his decision to return to college to enhance his promotional potential. What struck me wasn’t that I necessarily am all that influential. I’ve merely been paying forward the influence of a former chief and mentor that I’ve had. The “ah hah” moment was realizing that one’s potential to influence others extends beyond our circle of contacts. It branches out to those connected to our contacts as well. And with that comes great responsibility to live with purpose and integrity.
So true. It’s possible that we will positively influence many people in our lifetime, and never know it. Thanks my friend.
One characteristic of leaders who influenced me greatly is that they convey profoundly useful big-picture truths.
My biggest influencer is God, from Whom I learned that while I follow His instructions I will have the best outcomes possible. Next are my parents who taught me that I am as capable as anyone at intellectual achievement. I’ll end with the Pastor under whose tutelage I was licensed and ordained, who taught that we are capable of success at whatever we endeavor if our hearts are sure of the worthiness of the endeavor.
Thanks for connecting, Daryl. I appreciate your passion.
Wow. Just one? A characteristic of a leader that has influenced me greatly is the ability to make a person feel like they are the most important person in the world. I’ve witnessed this trait in leaders that I work with daily, as well as leaders I may never meet in person!
Yes – That’s important. I love what Mike Hyatt has written about this – with his friends, his goal is to make them feel like the most important people in the world.
I agree! That’s a hugely important skill that I have yet to master. What was it in your opinion that those leaders did to make you feel important?
Thanks David. This discipline is a real challenge for those of us who are driven to do more and be more. Thanks for adding to the conversation.