Law #2 – The Law of Influence.
The true measure of leadership is influence – nothing more, nothing less.
Contrary to myths, leadership is not the same as management, entrepreneurship, knowledge, pioneer-ship, or position. The proof of leadership is in the followers. If you don’t have influence, you will never be able to lead others.
I have always asked people in one of the workshops I teach, “do you want people to HAVE to work for you, or do you want people who WANT to work for you?”
True leaders influence people to want to work for them. They do this in a variety of ways, but demanding is not one of them. Influence has to be gained and earned. It does not come from a position or title. Influence works because the person respects what you are as a person, and they believe in you.
Many years ago I realized that since I was in the Training and Development field, I could not make people do the training. I was not their boss. I had no teeth to make people do things. I had to find other ways to get people to take the training that I offered. For me to be effective, I need to influence.
So this chapter reminded me of my “position power”, as it is to be one of influence. I need to be strong in showing everyone why they WANT to do the training and the leadership development activities, not that they HAVE to.
Maxwell said Leadership is about influencing people to follow, while management is focused on maintaining systems and processes. I like this.
Your people will work for you because they need a paycheck. But, If that is the only reason, they will jump across the street for 50 cent more an hour. However, if you build the influence so people will want to work for you, the commitment is much deeper.
We must use our influence in a positive manner, to build the brand and the company. With this, we will build our own success
I am working with a group on developing their leadership skills. One of the activities I am having them do is to read through and provide their insights to each chapter of the book 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell.
This series of post provides the basic summary of each of the Laws along with my thoughts. (Summary graphics are provided by Reading Graphics.)
Prime Leadership & Development 