You Cannot, NOT Influence, So Do It With Purpose

All of us are influenced by people, places, events and situations all of the time.

Sometimes we are affected more or less by these, but we are continually being influenced by what happens around us.

It is fair to say that we cannot NOT influence those around us!

So I guess the real skill is in becoming a ‘conscious influencer‘.

Of course, there is no right way, nor is there only one way to influence others. Everything, but everything, is a factor when influencing people.

"Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another." - Napoleon Hill

Influence With Purpose

Excellent influencing skills require a combination of interpersonal, communication, presentation and assertiveness techniques.

It is about being able to move things forward, without pushing, forcing or telling others what to do.

Adapting and modifying your personal style when you become aware of the effect you are having on other people, while still being true to yourself.

Behaviour and attitude change are what’s important, not changing who you are or how you feel and think.

It’s about understanding yourself and the effect or impact you have on others.

Sometimes you can get so used to your own way of being or pattern of communicating, that you don’t think of how it is being received – and you don’t consciously consider behaving in any other way.

"The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority." - Ken Blanchard

Call to Action

Influencing others is about having the confidence and willingness to adapt yourself to make things happen.

It is also the ability to work a dynamic, whether it’s a large group, one to one or remotely.

Consciously applying yourself and using everything at your disposal, both verbal and non-verbal communication, to create the impact you want, rather than letting things just happen.

Notice how you influence and do more of it with purpose!

Kevin is a highly sought after Leadership Coach and acts as Consultant to several boards of global organisations, as well as local business owners. He is passionate about making a difference by enabling and encouraging leaders who want to create and sustain meaningful change in themselves and their organisation.

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Kevin is also responsible for the illustrated eBook Coaching Works, a collection of responses to the question: 

"As a coach, you know when coaching works when..."