True leadership cannot be awarded, appointed, or assigned. It comes only from influence, and that cannot be mandated. It must be earned. The only thing a title can buy is a little time-either to increase your level of influence with others or to undermine it. – John Maxwell
Have you ever met someone who captured your attention and you wondered what it was that made them so magnetic?
Or, you met someone who could inspire people to take action and be unreasonable?
This week, I sat down with Executive Success Coach Carolyn Dickinson. We explored the secret behind influence and the mindset required to create it. Get ready to learn how you can ignite the Midas Touch! That elusive energy that some people seem to have.
Influence Is An Inner Game
The world has become fast-paced, with rapidly changing technology and new ways to engage and communicate. With the shift to communicating via virtual platforms and as social media becomes a growing marketing tool, an essential requirement to a successful business is one’s ability to influence.
To influence is to have an impact on the behaviors, attitudes, opinions and choices of others. Influence is not to be confused with position or control. It’s not about manipulating others to get your way. Influence often seems elusive as it comes from inside, not outside. It is not something you are given or can buy. Instead, it comes from your lived experiences and the value you provide to others.
Influence is not about telling people what to do. It is when we lead by example. It is the courage to do the work in the absence of the results or any evidence of success. When people are inspired and moved by who you are, at that moment, you have INFLUENCE. Influence, therefore, must occur before success can happen.
Increase Your Influence
Let’s take a look at how leaders can begin to increase their influence with others.
Influence is a Mindset: The ability to influence begins with personal leadership. It is your commitment to being your best and consistently striving for excellence. People who influence do not see themselves as victims; instead, they see challenges and difficult situations as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Be Authentic: We are the most powerful and feel the most attractive when we are true to ourselves. When we dare to show up as authentic, we are experienced as trustworthy, genuine and approachable.
Inspired Action: When we are willing to cast a vision and take inspired action, we become attractive. Being influenced is the echo experienced when we witness the transformation of another.
Influence is not about being perfect or having all the answers. It is to step out on faith, cast a vision and consistently show up and do what is necessary. It is to see the beauty in the middle of a mess or find the treasure that is tucked away in an unexpected place. Influencers love the journey. An influencer is who you become when you dare to travel the unknown path or do and become what others once thought impossible.
Blessings!
Explore the Mindset Mastery Mastermind to learn more about the mindset required to increase your influence.