In the dynamic landscape of business, education, and beyond, the essence of leadership transcends titles and formal authority. It's not merely about occupying the corner office or carrying a weighty title; instead, it's about the profound impact one has on others—leadership is influence in its purest form.
Welcome to a journey that delves into the heart of what makes a true leader. In a world where change is constant, and challenges are aplenty, the ability to influence and inspire becomes a hallmark of effective leadership. As we navigate the nuances of leadership, we discover that there is a subtle art to influencing others positively, while also fostering a culture of collaboration, and steering the ship towards shared success. We want to rejoice in the good times, but it is up to us to hold everyone accountable in the bad times and this creates dichotomy in the workplace. They love you one day, the next day you are the worst leader ever.
By exploring the multiple facets of leadership, we can dissect the key elements that transform good leaders into great influencers. Whether you're a seasoned executive, an aspiring manager, or an individual seeking to make a difference, this exploration into the symbiotic relationship between leadership and influence is designed to resonate with anyone eager to leave an indelible mark on their sphere of impact.
There is a lot to being an extraordinary leader. To do it well can only be harnessed through experience and failure through many levels of leadership. There is a preferred path that helps grow your skills in a safe and controlled environment - but this is rarely the way it goes. It goes a little something like this: You have a job and you want more responsibility. Your supervisor likes your spunk and gives you a chance to be a team lead. Now you have additional duties and have to make sure that the people you lead make sure that gets accomplished. On a simple scale you are already finding out that you have to influence people to make sure the job gets done. And your off! You can already see how relationships, personalities, emotions, behavioral styles and egos all have to be negotiated. Very few companies train their new leaders for these situations so you have to do the best you can. If you are good at it, you may get noticed and soon you are offered a manager's position. Now have to learn the hard skills that come with leadership - aking sure all the boxes get checked and results are measured and completed within the guidelines and strategies set forth by the senior leadership. Now you are accountable!!
Hey! You are doing great! Your team likes you, you have tenure and a good reputation and you are proving that you can achieve results - so your senior leaders offer you a big promotion as a departmental leader and on and on it goes, until one day you land in the big corner office with a fat salary and great benefits! Now, I don't know about you, but I find this is not the typical story. 95% of the time you are thrown into positions you are not prepared for, with no training and no direction. In todays workplace it's all about survival and we are all doing the best we can. We lose sight of the big picture and get caught up in the rat race. We forget how to create relationships and lose our ability to powerfully communicate with our peers. It all breaks down - we feel under valued, unheard and overworked and we experience stress, anxiety and, in some cases, mental illness.
You may not be able to do anything about the leadership above you - but you can certainly lead from where you are. It takes effort and a growth mindset that keeps showing up every day - even when it seems hopeless. If you are leading people, they are looking to you to make their world better, and if you don't, then you are no different than the rest of them.
You can change everything by the power of your will. You have influence, you just need to know how to use it.
What I'm offering are timeless principles and actionable insights that underscore the transformative power of influence in leadership. The journey towards effective leadership begins with understanding the profound interconnection between one's actions, decisions, and the impact they have on those around them. Influence is not just a tool but the very fabric that binds exceptional leaders to their teams, organizations, and the wider world.
The secret of being a more powerful leader is in the actions you take to lead powerfully. It comes out in the way you show up every day, the language you use (from mouth and body), and the efforts you make to communicate, collaborate and negotiate your way through every interaction and strategy meeting. To be a change maker - you'll have to rise to the call. It won't be easy, but it will be rewarding...and who knows? You may even change the world!
Influence is your power in action and to make an impact there are a few important questions to ask yourself:
What does it mean to “use” your power? Meaning how do you impact a situation to get what you want? Are you using your powers for good? If not, you may need to rethink your purpose and approach.
What abilities and gifts do you possess (or want to possess) that empower you to be a change maker? We are often in denial that we have such talents, but if you are a rising leader, I assure you the potential is there.
How will you use those abilities and gifts to create lasting influence? This will require some strategery. I recommend putting pen to paper and make your plan for world domination. Go big and BE BOLD!!
Mindset is everything!
How do you stay positive in a difficult world? You keep these coins in you pocket to remind you of who you are and what kind of change you want to be in the world
Right Intention – put your heart in the right place - you can never do wrong by doing the right thing.
Kindness & Grace – you get more flies with honey than vinegar. Your mama said it and, as in most things....she was right!
A Servant’s Heart – servant leadership focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. That includes work.
Right Action – Integrity is key - walk the walk.
It’s Your Move – Step out in courage and lead the way!
Be Grateful in all things not only for what you have, but what you are going to have. Match your emotion to your desire and watch life effortlessly unfold.
You have Sway so Lead the Way - Say that to yourself in the mirror every morning - cheesy, I know, but it's affirming and motivating!
If you want to expand your leadership impact, inspire others to change and grow into a more powerful leader all you have to do is act. One you understand the potential this creates not only for you, but for others – magic happens.
Actually, SHIFT Happens and unless an internal shift occurs, you will continue to have the old mindset that is holding you back from your growth and your ability to impact others.
Your influence is tied to your purpose, so take some time to consider what that is and then move in that direction with passion and tenacity. The world needs strong leaders and that doesn't always mean the people with the biggest titles. Lead from where you are and work to get better at it every day. It's an investment in yourself and in the lives of the people around you. If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “I just want to make a difference”, now is your opportunity. Even the smallest of gestures can make powerful impacts. Start today, in this minute - with your next interaction with a co-worker, a friend or the server at the next restaurant you go to. I challenge you to stand up and build a culture of change one small act at a time.
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