Under The Influence Of...

When I was a teenager, I came across a book of quotes in a pile of magazines.  In pre-internet days, I was staggered by the encapsulated wisdom as I read through the pages.  It was a powerful crossroads in my life, one whose influence continues to impact my everyday life.  Though I had never met the men and women whose words were so dramatically inspiring, I remain forever grateful to the person who left that magazine in the pile.

Who have been the key influencers in your life?

What enduring messages have they left you with, be they positive or otherwise?

Who would you like to influence, and with what message?

Influence is a powerful force directing a pathway; one of the four domains of Clifton Strengths; a word defining the impact of social media elites – but, more than that, it is a characteristic which we all possess to some degree.

In today's dynamic and competitive world, the ability to influence is a skill that can accelerate your success in both personal and professional spheres. While influence can be wielded in various ways,  three key pillars form the foundation of effective influence.

Establish Connection

Demonstrating a genuine interest and desire to understand others is the first step toward intentional influence. This involves active listening, empathy, and a keen awareness of the needs and concerns of those around you. When engaging in conversations or negotiations, take the time to truly understand the perspectives of others. Someone’s perspective is their reality. You do not need to agree but reflecting their thoughts and emotions back to them not only shows empathy but also establishes a connection based on mutual understanding.

From this position sharing and displaying your competence in the topic or subject matter being discussed reinforces your connection. By being informed, continuously educated, and able to communicate your knowledge, it enables others to perceive you as knowledgeable and attentive; and they are more likely to value your insights and be influenced by your perspective.

Build Trust

Trust is the cornerstone of any influential relationship. Without trust, your intent to influence will, almost certainly, fall flat. To build trust, consistency and integrity are paramount. Be true to your word and deliver on promises consistently. Transparency and open communication foster an environment where trust can flourish. Encouraging diversity of thought and ideas and welcoming input builds confidence. This requires being vulnerable and asking for input. Making it safe to experiment and learn, to admit mistakes and learn from them demonstrates authenticity and humanizes you. People are more likely to be influenced by those they perceive as genuine and trustworthy, people who are doing their best to get results in areas they believe are important.

Know Your True Value

In a world teeming with influencers, demonstrating why others would choose you is a critical aspect of effective influence. Highlight your unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives that set you apart. What makes you different is what makes you influential.

Crafting your story and sharing your journey, emphasizing key milestones and challenges overcome can help make you both relatable and aspirational. Share how your experiences uniquely position you to offer valuable insights or solutions. When others can clearly see the distinctive value you bring to the table, they are more likely to choose you as a trusted source of influence.

As leaders, employers, parents, team-members and just plain humans, mastering the keys of influence—making connections, building trust, and knowing your unique value—equips you with a powerful toolkit for navigating the complex landscape of human interactions. By incorporating these principles into your approach, you can enhance your ability to influence others positively, fostering meaningful connections and achieving shared goals.

In the words of Napoleon Hill, that I first read so long ago “Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seeds of either success or failure in the mind of another.”

Here’s to your success!