Influence (verb): to affect or change someone or something in an indirect but usually important way.

The ability to have an effect on others gives you a power that is beyond a job title or the obligation of others to do what you say. It’s a quiet strength that emanates from within you and pulls people in allowing them to listen to your thoughts and inspire them to share in the dreams you hold.

But how do we become influential in our lives? How do we go from another face in the crowd to someone people want to listen to and work with?

We recognize that influence is a direct result of impact.

Influence is not the ability to control someone-but rather the way that our actions, words, and nature compel them to move forward.

Think of the people who have been most influential in your own life-what do you see in them that compels you to be inspired by them? In what way did they carry themselves that made you want to listen to them?

Did they inspire you with their words? Did their attentive listening leave you wanting to be around them more? Did they leave you feeling better than they found you? How did they treat everyone? How did they speak to the group?

There are a number of ways to become influential but it’s important to recognize that influence is not always positive. It isn’t about becoming powerful, it’s about setting yourself apart as a valuable addition to any room you enter into.

Here are three key factors to focus on as you seek to become more influential in your personal life and career:

Decide the Type of Influence You Want to Make

I’m going to go ahead and assume that if you’re reading this blog, you want to be a positive influence. And I know it may seem as if that goes without saying, but the truth is that intentionality will only ever strengthen you in the pursuit of your goals. The bottom line is that everyone is influenced subconsciously by the people around them. The first question you need to ask yourself if you want to be a person who influences the world and people around them is “what kind of influence do I want to make?” Set your intentions and hold yourself to them firmly. Become unwavering in your conviction to be a positive influence to the world and people around you. Your legacy is tied to the type of influence you have on others-how do you want to be remembered, perceived, or known for? That choice is up to you.

How You Carry Yourself

Confidence is noticeable from the moment you enter a space. The way that you position yourself both physically and mentally matters a great deal. This applies to your posture, eye contact, and your way of speaking. Studies have found that standing up straight, keeping your head level, and relaxing your shoulders lends itself to you not only feeling confident-but appearing as such. No matter your appearance, size, or background, you can carry yourself with confidence and authority. People notice these things, from the first impression to the daily interactions, if you want to influence the people around you, carry yourself as such.

The Way You Treat Others

Maya Angelou said it best, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you’ve said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget the way you made them feel.” When you treat the people around you with respect, authenticity, and kindness you are making an impact. In a world full of busy living and pessimism, joy and kindness stand out. When you treat people well they want to do the same in return-and while that isn’t why you do it, it certainly is a plus. This is one that I could go on and on about, but I think what I love most about it is that influence through positivity is something you don’t need a title or higher salary to bring to the table. And having a reputation for treating people well will always precede you in the best ways.

Conclusion

Influence is not something you are given, it’s what you acquire as a result of your intentions and actions. You are only powerful when you choose to be and recognize the abilities you hold that will allow you to step into it. The goal of influence is not to control, but to inspire. No matter where you are in this life, you have the power to impact each and every person you come across.

I hope you’ll recognize those capabilities and use them to pursue worthwhile goals. 

Lead Well,