Read time 3.5 minutes.
Influence is: When other people willingly and happily follow our lead. Oprah, when she recommends a book on her show.
Power is: Using position to get people to follow directions – willingly or resentfully. Oprah as owner of Harpo Productions Inc.
Understand: As a leader/manager of people, the only power and influence we have has been given to us by others. Just ask any philandering politician.
So: What is given to us can be taken away in a flash. Power and influence are as delicate, and potentially life-giving as an egg. A rotten egg is toxic and smells really bad.
Paradox: We accumulate more power and influence by giving up trying.
Assumption: Power and influence are equally useful tools, depending on the context. “Ya gotta know when to hold ‘em and know when to fold ‘em.”
We gain some power in a position or by election because then we can enforce rules and mete out consequences. But degrees, rank, or titles are limited tools when trying to influence people.
Influence expands with the growth of a leader/manager’s emotional intelligence and team leadership competencies.
Influence can also be gained through one’s demonstrated competence in some technical field. Dr. Oz is a recognized, influential medical authority. Warren Buffet and Bill Gates, because of their success in business, are very influential.
Be the Leader Others Choose to Follow
We become more powerful and influential by developing our emotional intelligence, then acting with courage and integrity.
It’s a process of followers choosing — after observing our behaviours, not so much our words — to know, like, respect, value, risk with, and trust us.
To get your F.REE Instant Copy of — A TASTE of GENIUS — a primer for growing power & influence go to http://www.subject2change.ca
From Dr. Jim Sellner, PhD.,DipC. — working with Zoomers & Super Zoomers to experience more joy, health and a sense of abundance.
Dr. Jim is author of Leadership for Einstein’s: Bringing Out the Genius in People While Becoming Great Yourself.
He co-leads Brains’ Trusts Peer Groups for CEO’s and executives.
