John C. Maxwell states that "Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less." (1) Chris Brady and Orrin Woodward offer that "Leadership in the influencing of others in a productive, vision-driven direction, and is done thorough the example, conviction, and character of the leader.". (2) Peter G. Northouse writes "Leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal." (3). There is near universal consensus that influence is essential to effective leadership. If we accept this concept (which I do), then the question begs to be asked, how is this influence achieved? Good question! Let's unpack it!
I would offer that the following points are a good starting place for developing influence. Most, if not all, of these concepts can be found in the wide body of literature that exists on leadership and leadership development. I offer them here as a combined, condensed resource.
1) Earning influence requires trust which comes from character.
I have written at length on character as a factor of effective leadership. If you missed it, go back and see my entries on character as I was discussing the Trilateral Leadership Ledger presented in Launching a Leadership Revolution by Chris Brady and Orrin Woodward.
People must trust you if you ever hope to have influence with them. Remember, trust is that element that takes a very long time to establish and can be destroyed in seconds.
2) Earning influence comes from building strong, positive relationships.
Again, I have written extensively on this when discussing the LLR.
Relationship building is a process that also takes time. Relationships are built on trust, openness, and honesty. The effective leader works hard at sincerely building strong, lasting relationships.
3) Earning influence requires a leader to have vision, purpose, and know where they are going.
People will not buy in to a leader who does not have a vision and direction for the organization. In order to earn influence from the members of an organization, the leader must have and communicate a clear understanding of where it is they are trying to take the organization, AND, the leader MUST inspire people to want to follow them and be a part of the end result.
Influence cannot be demanded. Influence cannot be bestowed. Influence must be earned. It is earned through trust, relationships, and having and communicating a clear vision and direction.
(1) The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership (1998 Edition) by John C. Maxwell p.17
(2) Launching a Leadership Revolution by Chris Brady and Orrin Woodward p.7
(3) Introduction to Leadership (5th Edition) by Peter G. Northouse p.6
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