Joey & Sally : If you are waiting for a leadership title so you can have influence, you are thinking about it all wrong.

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The setup: Joey has been anxious about catching-up with Sally. One of the last times they met she said that she was just asked to lead a recent hiring initiative. He’s been curious about well she did. Finally, Sally arrives on the Zoom call since couldn't meet in person due to, you know, the virus pandemic.

“So, how’s everything going?” Joey slowly asks. Smiling widely, Sally exclaims, “Great!” “Did you get that promotion?” he asks. “Not yet. But, I finally feel like I’m a leader.” Perplexed, Joey presses on. “How is it possible to lead when you’re not in charge?” A smile comes across Sally’s face. “Finally! I get to teach YOU a lesson,” Sally laughs.

“Joey, I recently came across an article on Medium. It really changed my mindset about leadership.” The article was from a podcast with Clay Scroggins, a pastor right here in Atlanta. Anyway, according to Clay:

“Leadership is not about authority, your position., or your title. It’s about influence.”

Joey sits back in his chair, stroking his beard. “You know. That makes a lot of sense.” Sally, gets excited, “In fact, according to the University of Florida Training and Organizational Development, ‘the ability to influence is an essential leadership skill’ since it builds credibility and connections. It also helps you clarify expectations and share your passions.” 

Joey claps his hands silently. “Kudos, my friend.” Sally, who still hasn’t put away her smile, proceeds to tell her mentor that she’s even developed her own framework to cultivate your influence. Joey, who couldn’t be prouder, says, “I have to hear this!”

“I call it the INFLUENCE framework and it goes like this,” says Sally:

• Liability -- hold yourself accountable for your actions
• Understand what leadership really is -- it’s being a servant. 
• Empathy -- put yourself in someone else’s shoes.
• Nurture -- encourage others to learn and grow. 
• Communicate the big and little picture -- explain why small actions are important 
• Endurance -- learn how to be patient and resilient.

“Well done Sally!” Joey exclaims. “Anything else you want to add?” 

“Well, if you want to keep this conversation going, check out this TED Talk from four-star general Stanley McChrystal on why you should listen and learn before leading.”

Leaderpoint: If you are waiting for a leadership title so you can have influence, you are thinking it wrong.

Question: If you had a choice, what would you choose? Leadership title or influence?

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Love,

Sangram here

Author of two books on Marketing: ABM is B2B and Account-Based Marketing For Dummies

Co-founder of Terminus and the Host of the top 50 business podcast - FlipMyFunnel

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Host of Peak.Community, a private community of Emerging CMOs and CMOs that want to get 1% better.  

P.S. I LOVE You! And always remember: Being intentional is more important than being brilliant.