SOURCES OF INFLUENCE

How RU Influenced?

Few of us rarely think about the way we are influenced. Thoughts and emotions come and go without a mindful evaluation of their origins.  Our predispositions & attachment continue to go "unmarked and unchecked" as we stumble through life.

But a new breed is emerging... one who genuinely values who they are becoming. This is a rare and unique pedigree of professional... this is the person you want to hire... & more importantly keep.

Leaders must exemplify this quality as well, for as we gain in self-awareness, we also gain insight into those factors that influence us most. Here is a short list of the most influential factors in our lives/careers:

• The Tribes of Our Lives: As a standard principle of organizational change, "people will only raise their game to the expectation level of their peer groups. Your peers have more influence on your choices than you care to admit
• Symbols: I was talking with a meeting planner today who is originally from Canada who was telling me how fun it is for her to interact with Canadians who "use the correct spelling of the Queen's English" Letters are symbols and symbols have significant influence over our behavior and emotions
• Language: Words are the most powerful force in existence for they serve as the foundations of thought... especially thoughts about identity and self.
• Leaders: Leaders have a significant impact on who we are and who we decide to become. That is why it is so vital that a leader develop their integrity, communication skills, and an in-depth understanding of cultural/group dynamics
• Politics: Be it national or office... politics is a game that carries significant weight when influencing the masses.
• Thoughts: The time you spend in contemplation with the brightness of your future is directly related to your ability to have that future. If you are not happy with the status quo of things... take a look at what you have been contemplating over the last few months/years.
• Media: While I think a mindless sitcom has it's place, inspiring & uplifting books/videos/audios are key to influencing yourself in a positive way. 
• Meetings:Whether its a family meeting or your weekly sales meeting, the majority of business leaders are pathetic at directing one of the most impactful & influential areas of business
• Presentations: A powerful presentation is a performance and impacts us emotionally. How well planned and rehearsed are your presentations. When you need to discuss anything with your boss... it's a presentation. When you need to discuss things with a colleague or client... it's a presentation. Remember the first time you seduced your partner... it was a presentation.

Although not comprehensive, this list gives you insight as to where an effective leader will place their focus. Leaders must to a better job at designing their business culture... most have no idea that they can actually direct their culture to do significantly more.

Please leave a comment below...

~Mark Allen Grainger

Comments

[Jerry Richardson]

The story of Pygmalion provides a wonderful example of how a manager can create a powerful team, a parent can lead a child to success, a teacher can direct students to excellence.
"the difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves, but how she's treated." "To you I shall always be a flower girl because you treat me like a flower girl, but to Higgins, I shall always be a lady because he treats me like a lady".

They will RISE to your level of expectations of them. Believe in them, treat them proactively and they will become what you believe they can become.

Jerry Richardson