It is time to face reality!
We are all "under the influence" of the leaders with whom we work and spend many hours with each day. Influence as a noun is defined as “the capacity to have an effect on the character, development or behavior of someone or something or the effect itself.”
Each day, they influence (some try to control) our behavior, actions and decisions. Leaders impact our self-image, blood pressure, moods, attitudes and performance. Leader influence involves three things: It reflects how they feel about themselves, which manifests how they treat others and how they are affected by others.
“He who influences the thought of his times influences all the times that follow.” – Elbert Hubbard
The influence and responsibility of leaders is to give employees hope and the tools to cope with the demands of business today. In the ever-increasing quest for shareholder value, many contemporary leaders perceive their toil to inject stress and pressure on employees, which is one form of influence. It is clear that we are under their influence. However, pressure may result in movement, not motivation!
Roy Baumeister, author of “Willpower: Rediscovering The Greatest Human Strength” wrote, “Partly what we do as human beings is to take care of others and contribute to others.” That is positive influence!
In my career, I have had the experience of being under the negative influence of bully bosses, egomaniacs, control freaks, as well as the positive influence of leaders who taught, listened and inspired me. Being under the influence of a toxic leader results in tension and running for cover. Can you relate?
What is the meaning of leadership? I submit it is: to guide others in their quest to develop as a professional to influence employees’ attitudes, which manifest into personal motivation and helps them choose their way.
The heart of leadership is influence, not authority.
When we are under the influence of a humanistic leader, it is a powerful experience. It frees us to be ourselves, to have the courage to challenge and to dream big! It unleashes the real you. HEAVY STUFF!
"The secret of happiness is freedom, and the secret of freedom is courage.” – Gilbert Murray
"We know what happens to people who stay in the middle of the road. They get run over.” – Aneurin Bevan (1897 – 1960)
True positive influences guide us to the road to greatness. When employees come in contact with a new leader (under the influence), they seek knowledge (experience) and quickly discern whether this person will be a positive influence or a negative one and act accordingly.
Being under the influence of an inspirational leader arouses the enthusiasm in us. They appeal to our values and ideals and show confidence in our ability. Additionally, this style of influential leadership seeks our consultation in making decisions and the implementation of strategy, policy or change.
Positive influence manifests into individual accountability.
“Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality” – Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln was truly an incredible, positive influencer. He energized and mobilized the nation by appealing to its best ideals while acting “with malice towards none.” Clearly, leaders of today can learn from President Lincoln’s ability to address conflicting views and influence the outcome for the good of all.
Positive influencers are optimistic, supportive, non-judgmental, honest, caring, confident, respectful and believe in the good in others as well as themselves. They connect with employees and offer a compelling call to action – business goals and objectives. It is paramount to remember that the leaders of the new business world must be skilled at the art and science of trust.
Being under the influence of an enlightened leader is, in fact, a memorable experience. It makes a lasting impression and shapes our careers. Our interactions with this person leave us energized and give us a positive perspective to the task ahead. They make it safe to deliver bad news. As the saying goes – “They have your back.”
We power machines, but we influence human beings!
