The Law of Influence
Good Morning Leaders,
Backing off of strategic influence for a moment, let's look at John Maxwell's 21 Indisputable Laws of Leadership for his take on the Law of Influence. Herein we find 5 misconceptions (myths) many people have concerning leadership and what makes someone a leader. We'll then see 6 characteristics that are found in all good leaders. If there be any strategy, perhaps it simply is found in the understanding of what a true leader is, and what he/she is not, providing a baseline, or foundation on which to build and formulate one's leadership growth.
This is what I drew from the chapter on influence this morning:
The Law of Influence The True Measure of Leadership is Influence – Possess it and People Will Follow You
True leadership cannot be awarded, appointed, or assigned. It comes mainly from influence, and that cannot be mandated. It must be earned.
Five Myths About Leadership
Neither your being a manager, an entrepreneur, intelligent or educated, a pioneer, nor positioned with a title makes you a leader. Resting on these laurels will lead to disappointment and discouragement.
1) The Management Myth – that leading and managing are the same. Leadership is about influencing people to follow, while management focuses on maintaining systems and processes. Managers may maintain direction; but to move people, one needs influence.
2) The Entrepreneur Myth – entrepreneurs may be skilled at seeing opportunities and going after them. But not all of them are good with leading people in their vision.
3) The Knowledge Myth – neither IQ nor education necessarily equates to leadership.
4) The Pioneer Myth – being a trendsetter is not the same as being a leader. To be a leader, a person has to not only be out in front, but also has to have people following his/her lead.
5) The Position Myth – leadership is not based on rank or title. It’s not the position that makes the leader; it’s the leader that makes the position.
Six Factors That Make a Leader
Strong leadership is built on a multifaceted model of many key features. Lack these, and people will simply find someone else to follow.
1) Character – Who They Are – true leadership always begins with the inner person. People can sense the depth of a person’s character.
2) Relationships – Who They Know – with deep relationships with the right people you can become the real leader in an organization.
3) Knowledge – What They Know – information is vital. You need a grasp of the facts to develop an accurate vision for the future.
4) Intuition – What They Feel – leaders seek to recognize and influence intangibles such as energy, morale, timing and momentum.
5) Experience – Where They’ve Been – the greater your past challenges, the more likely followers will be willing to let you lead.
6) Ability – What They Can Do – the bottom line is followers want to know whether you can lead them to victory. As soon as they no longer believe you can deliver, they will stop following.
“The very essence of all power to influence lies in getting the other person to participate.”
Have a blessed day!
Pastor David
OBC
