The Subtle Power
of Influence.

Your an Influencer..
When we hear influencers we think of people that are popular right? People that are in the spotlight or in a high up position.. I know that’s what my mind tends to go to. A lot of people can tend to think that because they don’t have 10,000 followers on social media. That their opinions may not matter. But we influence people and situations everyday. How you carry yourself has influence. How you speak has influence. Those are just to name a couple. Everyone influences someone. Tim Elmore founder of Growing Leaders said once ” That sociologist estimate that even the most introverted person will influence ten thousand other people during their lifetime”. Isn’t that interesting! But are you allowing yourself to be influenced too? To be a leader in life you have to be a follower too. Allow the right people that you respect and value their information to influence you. Take it in!
We don’t always notice it.
Think about a time you had a very influential moment in your life? Where it was a random moment in time. Where you heard or saw something that shifted your thinking in some way. For me, a moment in time that comes to mind is. I was 15 working at a farm style Feed&Seed store. An older man by the name of Keith showed me how to lift things properly, how to conversate with customers. Along with many talks on life views and ways that influenced my future. Kieth in my opinion was at that point in my life someone that had large influence on me other than my parents. What or who was one example of that for you? But we absolutely we need to filter thru what we hear and see. Make sure it aligns with our core beliefs and to the truths. Let’s also not confuse Influence with Power. Power is done with authority. Influence is done thru impacting peoples perceptions or actions. It’s largely based on relationships of multiple types.
Building personal Influence.
Authenticity-Authenticity comes from knowing what’s important to you and remaining true to these values. Be consistent in who you are and what you believe in. This is the core of who you are. It’s difficult to define what authenticity looks like because everyone will express their authentic selves differently. It’s very personal. But generally its bringing one’s “whole self” to work or a relationship rather than putting on a fake face to please others.
Active Listening– People will care once they see that you care. Being in the moment with someone. Thru actively listening it helps build trust. This approach builds trust, reduces misunderstandings, and can create empathy even.
Empathy– Empathy is one of the most important aspects of creating strong relationships. There are so many benefits to empathy that most people aren’t even aware of. For example, I notice that when I feel empathy for others and for myself, I feel a sense of peace, connection, and perspective that I like. You hold less anger when you show empathy. You learn to understand their view. Why do some of us lack empathy? Well there’s a lot of reasons. But a few of the main ones I feel are. They may feel threatened, being judged or third is fear. I think fear is the main cause to all of this.
StoryTelling- Sharing personal stories can resinate with people on a deeper level. It can inspire people to create change in their own life’s. Give your life the narrative it deserves! Story’s have the capability to change lives. Feeling your conviction and passion for something from experience or passion can create a relatability to deeply resinate with someone.
Body Posture– How you carry yourself and present yourself are things people will notice. Be confident in who you are. But don’t be arrogant or act as your smarter than everyone else. Your body language is critical to conveying the right message.
Here is a great video from Tony Robins. With some great ways to help you in life to create healthy influence.
Taking Responsibility.
This part can be tough. Because now after reading this means that we would have to take ownership of things we do or say. If we do selfish acts or say selfish things. That we think that it wont effect someone else. It will. I promise you that. Iv’e heard basketball players say that “they are there to play basketball. So who cares what I do or say?! ” Well you have that free will yes, but know! What you say and do has ripple effects in some way. To finish here. I just want to leave you with this. Be the change you want to see. Influence comes from the inside out.


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