Garnering Greater Influence

One of the questions that I frequently pose to our leadership program participants is “who” or “what” is influencing them.

 

Additionally, I also instruct them to take a few moments to carefully consider the thoughts and feelings that they have with regard to their organization, key executives, boss, coworkers, family, friends, neighbors and public leaders.

 

The question that subsequently follows is “How many of the thoughts and feelings that you hold toward your employer, executives, boss, coworkers, family, friend, neighbors and public leaders are actually your ‘own’?”

 

As you have undoubtedly witnessed many times in your life, circumstances and people are not always as they appear to be. All too often, the perceptions of other people or situations are vastly influenced by mere snippets of information or the opinions and conjecture of others.

 

If you happen to be on the other end of this equation, your ability to be an effective leader may become hampered or impaired due to the misperception of who others believe you to be, as opposed to who you truly are.

 

The fact is that in both business and government the manner in which you are perceived will directly determine the degree of influence that you will ultimately be able to exert over other people. Your ability to lead effectively is rooted in your credibility as a person as well as in the credibility of your communication.

 

In essence, everything that you say or don’t say and everything that you do or don’t do will either enhance or detract from your personal credibility and your resultant ability to influence and lead other people.

 

While the responsibilities of leadership by anyone’s count are numerous, it is my personal belief that two of your most important responsibilities are:

          To bring out the best in other people.

          To build mutually beneficial long term relationships.

 

Your capacity to develop the potential of your people and to forge meaningful relationships is directly proportionate to your personal credibility. As cited above, the credibility of your communication is a significant factor when it comes to influencing others.

 

This stems from the fact that one of the hallmark qualities of a great leader is his or her ability to become a great listener. Your capacity to listen attentively to what others have to say builds trust and credibility. The more you listen to what someone is really saying to you, the more he or she will trust you, follow your leadership and remain open to your influence.

 

Of all the core competencies that you may choose to develop as an authentic leader, your truest level of success will be as a result of the quantity, quality and sustainability of the relationships that you forge throughout your life and career.

 

It will ultimately be these trusted and valued relationships that will over time determine the scope and depth of the influence you garner as a leader.

 

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