Third in the Series: Conducting Transformation
My definition of a leader is: 1) a person who gets things done; 2) a person who knows how things get done; and 3) a person who influences others.
The leader is a person of influence. The Transformational Leader impacts the thoughts and actions of others, not by power of position, but by personal influence. The Transformational Leader, therefore, is a person of influence.
The Transformational Leader, therefore, understands leadership vs. dictatorship as a norm. John Maxwell talks about influence in his book The 360 Degree Leader: Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization. His point is that we influence people anywhere in the organizational chart, no matter what our position. We get a choice on how we influence people – positively, negatively, and neutrally. It’s our choice on how we want to influence others.
Being aware of this dynamic is the first step to creating the influence that we desire. It’s not only the leader at the top of the organizational chart who influences.
Here are some tips for staying in tune with your desire for influence:
- Have an Accountability Partner – We are not always aware of how we come across to others, so it’s good to have someone to provide feedback. Share your intent. Share your process. Share your goals. Ask for feedback at every stage. Listen carefully to the responses. It’s really important to get a person who will speak directly and truthfully. That’s the kind of feedback that will help you improve.
- Define Your Position of Influence – What does it mean to influence people? What is the desired result? What difference would you like to see in others? What kind of difference will your influence make to others and to the culture?
- Define Who You Want to Influence – We influence everybody that we come in contact with. We want to be sure that we create a positive image of ourselves across the board with all those with whom we come in contact. There are key people who matter – those whom you lead. Define who those people are and how you want to be seen by them.
- Focus on Others and not on Yourself – People like to talk about themselves. If you talk about yourself and your desires constantly, people will turn you off. Inquire about others and constantly work on relationships. We can influence those with whom we have a good relationship. People follow the desires of those whom they respect. Respect is earned over time.
- Define Why People Should Be Influenced By You – This is a key point. Why should others care about you and what you represent? This clarity will make the first 4 points on this list work. Begin with the end in mind.
How will you be the Person of Influence today that you want to be?
Hugh Ballou
The Transformational Leadership Strategist
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