5 Powerful Amplifiers of Influence
The channel of compliance is power. The channel of influence is relationship.
The people around us seep into our lives.
I asked people to finish a sentence like, “My mom is reflected in my life when I ….” Some told me they hadn’t realized how much their mom’s influence was reflected in their life.
Influence is influence:
Influence happens when your example shows up in someone. It might be helpful or harmful.
Maybe your mom’s kindness shows up in your life. But what if your mom was cruel? She may show up as cruelty in your life. Or you may be filled with compassion because you understand pain.
Five amplifiers of influence:
#1. Relationship.
Long-term relationships seep into your bones, for good or harm. You never fully escape an abusive relationship, for example.
Personal relationship magnifies influence.
#2. Expertise.
Influence isn’t what you say; it’s what you skillfully do.
Competence amplifies influence. If you aspire to leadership, get really good at something.
#3. Consistency.
The things you occasionally do have less influence than daily practices.
#4. Credibility.
A promise not kept is influence lost.
Respect supercharges influence.
#5. Good will.
Generosity amplifies influence. Manipulation obstructs influence.
Zig Ziglar said, “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.” This formula is true to the degree that helping others is sincere.
The more you’re in it for others, the more influence you earn.
Joy and power:
Positive influence fills others with joy. They’re delighted when you say, “You’re like your mom.”
Coercion and compliance invite resistance and resentment. Prolonged compliance makes people feel weak.
Positive influence, in the end, makes people feel powerful.
How might leaders amplify their influence?
What weakens a leader’s influence?
Short video messages: My mom is reflected in my life (2:02)
I asked the “Mom” question in our team catch up call on Friday. I was a bit surprised by some of the answers. Not everybody had the loving mother I was thinking of and that I was blessed with. It does help me understand my teammates and friends a bit better, though.
I truly appreciate the inspiration you provided to ask the question!
Thanks Rich. I have experienced the same thing. It reminded me of the power of negative influence. There’s a lot of emotion around this topic.
How do leaders influence? By radiating power (ability to act).
In energetic terms, by understanding the directional relationship between power and influence … power being radiant and influence (the emanation being absorbed and re-projected as “value” created) being absorbed … leaders learn to dance and create synergy.
Notorious leaders (Caligula, Napolean, Hitler, et al) suck power by mythically claiming authority unto themselves to keep their status quo … it’s just not sustainable; it creates an intense blowback effect (too much for people to take/absorb).
Venerable leaders “channel” authority by ethically earning it and distributing it to get things done (Alexander, Lincoln, Churchill, et al) … their “power” they know is not sustainable, but their influence they know is.
Taking power instead of giving it is usually short-lived and value destructive.
As is too proudly projecting influence rather than being humbly influenced.
Good leaders guide us through these dynamic realities with persuasion, honesty and good will; bad ones by coercion, deception and domination. Which way do you want to be an expert (authority) at?
Thanks Rurbane. I enjoyed reflecting on power in general and influence power or as some might call it, referent power.
the key to success is good will. The other qualities are important but good will is at the heart of the ability to influence someone when you don’t have position or power.
What a great question – Personally, I did not realize the amount of influence my mother had on me until she passed, leaving a significant void. Strength, consistency, passion, resilience, and perseverance were all qualities that come to mind. Along my journey, there were others that added to those building blocks for which I am grateful. As our lives expand to other spheres, I understand more and more of the why, when and what purpose she so fiercely ingrained throughout my childhood. It is through her influence that service and supporting others have always been central to my journey.
Thanks Kishla. What a great tribute to the power of influence. I guess the saying that you don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone has some truth to it. cheers