Shifting Perspectives of Influence in Leadership
When you think of leadership, what comes to mind? Perhaps you think of people who possess a formal leadership title/role. Oftentimes, we think of leaders as individuals who have a level of, or complete, authority over particular persons or tasks. In turn, we might exclude ourselves from leadership, especially if we are not “in charge”. Or maybe you do consider yourself to be a leader because you have some type of responsibility and/or accountability for others. Whatever position you might find yourself in, it’s important to be aware of your influence, because you have it! Yet, often we misuse (or even abuse) it or don’t use it to our fullest potential.
What does it mean to influence?
When we think of influence today, we might automatically think about someone considered to be an “influencer”, one who has a platform on social media and has amassed a large number of followers. When I think of influence, I think of having an intentional, positive impact. Today, unfortunately not everything we see and hear has a positive influence, let alone significant purpose. According to Merriam-Webster, influence is defined as the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways; the act or power of producing an effect without apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command; one that exerts influence; or an emanation of spiritual or moral influence. This could refer to something positive or negative. For the purpose of this writing, I am advocating for the former. On one hand, for me the definition brings out an important, yet often overlooked, aspect of leadership - “producing an effect without apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command”. In other words, without requiring a lot of effort. We often associate leadership with power that is forceful and/or commanding. Yet, influence is largely about action or power in the absence of such purely based on the value that is being offered. This changes how we might think of influence and leadership. In my own experiences, I’ve felt most disappointed by the excess of control that can be exercised in leadership. In these cases, I think we miss the most important opportunities we have to positively influence others. Leading isn’t always about having people follow you in the sense of doing what you say. It’s as much, if not more, about setting an example that people feel would benefit them in their own lives, in addition to helping them to apply it, which could involve providing guidance or counsel. Overall, it’s about supporting and serving others. This brings up the part of the definition that I would challenge - causing an effect not only in indirect and intangible ways, but in very much direct and tangible or intentional ways. Think of those who have had a powerful impact on your life. What made what they said or did meaningful to you or brought about an intended outcome? In their book The Way of the Shepherd: Seven Secrets to Managing Productive People, Dr. Kevin Leman and Bill Pentak wrote, “What makes a shepherd a shepherd isn’t the staff or the rod; it’s the heart. What distinguishes a great leader from a mediocre one is that a great leader has a heart for his people.”
Have you considered your influence on others?
Formal and informal leaders alike might miss out on the ways they can positively and intentionally influence the people around them. Formal leaders because they confine themselves to certain expectations that their roles dictate and/or misuse or abuse their authority within and outside of their roles. And informal leaders because they doubt that they have any influence over others or any authority to make a positive change for themselves and others. And if you’re not sure how you can positively influence those around you, start by looking at the value that you bring to your family, friends, and peers. What might you do every day without thinking about it that serves, helps, or provides support to others? What passion and/or idea do you possess that could make a significant difference in someone else’s life?
I always appreciate seeing leaders who are willing to step back and let others contribute or lead, especially when it’s an area that others can influence or contribute to. Or maybe they have input or ideas that would greatly enrich the team or organization. To me, great leaders recognize their own influence in creating a culture that is open to growing or building up others and seek to facilitate this development, whether those individuals serve formally or not. Additionally, leaders show great strength and humility when they are able to defer to others’ knowledge or skills. In the book previously referenced, Leman and Pentak noted, “Your people are your greatest competitive advantage. Managers will say they agree with that, but often they merely give lip service to the idea…You need to discover their skills and interests…their goals and dreams, what motivates them…what their career ambitions and frustrations are.”
Effecting change starts with recognizing the value that you and others around you have. Growth involves building on the strengths of others while removing and guarding against the barriers and obstacles that prevent true change.
Are you aware of your influence? What message do you convey to others about their value and worth? As a leader or “influencer” (referring to the definition outlined in this writing), how do you serve others? How can you make a positive impact in the lives of others both effortlessly and with great intention?
I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to share a comment or reach out if you’d like to connect, have questions, or are interested in partnering.
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