Maxwell’s definition for the Law of Influence is that “the true measure of leadership is influence nothing more, nothing less.” Ask yourself, “Who are you influencing?” It starts with self, spouse, children, extended family, co-workers, neighbors, family, etc. And what are we influencing people toward?
Leadership is often misunderstood. Here are the top 5 myths people tend to believe:
- The Management Myth – Leading and managing is NOT the same! Management focuses on maintaining systems and processes. Leadership is about moving people in the right direction.
- The Entrepreneur Myth – Not all entrepreneurs are good with people. If you can’t influence people, you can’t lead.
- The Knowledge Myth – Just visit any university and you will find people with a high IQ or countless titles, but with an extremely low leadership level. Leadership has nothing to do with education or IQ.
- The Pioneer Myth – Some believe that anyone who is out in front of the crowd is a leader. But being first isn’t always the same as leading. To be a leader, you must not just be at the front, but also have people intentionally coming behind you, following your lead and acting on your vision.
- The Position Myth – As Stanley Huffty said, ‘It’s not the position that makes the leader; it’s the leader that makes the position.’ You don’t need a position to lead. And even if somebody takes away your position, they can’t take away your influence over the lives of those who follow you.
When it comes to identifying a real leader… don’t listen to the claims of the person professing to be the leader. Don’t examine his or her credentials. Don’t check their title. Check their influence. The proof of leadership is found in the followers.” He ends the chapter with a famous leadership proverb, “He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk.”
There are 7 major areas you must look into to evaluate your leadership influence:
- Don’t Wait for Titles: You don’t need to be in charge to influence. Imagine the person who shows up to work with a bad attitude. Are they influencing? Of course! Imagine the neighbor who goes above and beyond, not because they are on the Neighborhood Watch, but because they care about their neighborhood. Everyone loves living next to those types of neighbors.
- Character: If you want to increase your leadership level, you MUST focus on character. The more consistency we have between our private life and our public life, the greater potential for influence.
- Take Inventory: The more clarity we have in our spheres of influence the more likely we are to take advantage of those influencing opportunities.
- Knowledge: Information is vital to a leader. Even though knowledge won’t make you a leader (see The Knowledge Myth above), it’s necessary if you want to become a great leader. Do your homework, spend time to get to know your industry, your environment, your team, your clients, as you try to lead.
- Experience: When opportunities arise, say, “Yes!” Just like knowledge, experience isn’t everything but experience doesn’t hurt. The more time you have in the battle the stronger you will get in your influence.
- Competency: Just like knowledge and experience, competency doesn’t determine influence but executing on objectives is going to only strengthen your potential for influence.
In the end, our greatest source of influence is through the power of the Holy Spirit. Through faith in Jesus we are reconciled to God and empowered through the Spirit to bring incredible influence into the lives of others.
Sometimes we don’t even have to say a word! Sometimes just our mere presence will bring influence toward others and it isn’t because of our knowledge, experience or character but because the grace of God moves in us and through us for His glory!
Serving North Central Austin 