Charles Specht

how-to-influenceEveryone likes the idea of being influential. Being influential, after all, has a positive ring to it.

For me, when I think of someone who is highly influential in a specific area, I initially imagine someone successful in business or professional sports, with lots of radio and television interviews under their belt, and with buckets of money to spare. This person could be a woman with a bestselling book and a popular blog, or maybe a man with an international speaking platform where he addresses tens of thousands of people each week about topics such as Personal Growth, Leadership, Productivity, Faith, or building a Tribe.

But is that a true image of who is really influential in our society? Does that describe how to influence people for the average Joe or Jane? No, I don’t believe it does.

How To Influence People & Impact The World

There have been dozens and dozens of influential people in my own life. Some were more influential than others but each man or woman has significantly impacted my personality, character, and growth development.

Some of these people were intentional about their influence over me while others—I’m certain—had no idea about the value of the impact they were having in my life.

A few of these people are pastors and church leaders, my high school baseball and football coaches, and some of my previous college professors. But there is one man in particular who took me under his wing for a time and made me feel special. He didn’t spend loads of time with me, for he didn’t need to. He wasn’t rich or famous, but both his influence and leadership has enabled me to develop into the man I am today. And for his friendship I will be forever grateful.

Leaders Are People Who Influence Other People

There is a lot more to being a leader than merely casting a vision, setting goals, or even telling other people what to do. For me, a genuine leader is someone who has influence with and over others. It is not enough to have potential. You must do something with that potential in order to influence others. Frankly, this is where the rubber of practical living meets the road of relationship.

Never in the history of mankind have there been more ways to influence people than today. Through social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook, blogging, public speaking, and even self-publishing books, there have never been more ways to connect with people who need your help. The questions we should each begin asking ourselves are:

Who can I influence most and have a tremendous impact on?

How can I learn to be a more influential leader in the things I am most passionate about?

In what ways can I channel my efforts to increase the probability that I will have a significant impact on the people around me? 

What Is Influence?

Do you want to learn how to influence people, develop practical leadership qualities, or become a more influential leader? The following articles will help you regarding how to influence the people around you. If you have any questions or comments, contact me. Enjoy!

 

* Image credit: The U.S. Army (Creative Commons)