On this episode of Leaderview, we are going to be discussing the title – The Influential Leader. First of all, let us consider what it means to be a person of Influence. Influence is the capacity to have an effect on the character, development or behavior of someone and I will like to add that this could be done directly or indirectly. Indirectly, because you might be influencing someone else by the way you live, they get influenced by just watching you live your life. So, when you say you have influence, you are able to inspire someone else and this happens freely by serving others. As a leader, you become the servant and the debtor (and in case you are wondering what the debtor means- it means you constantly owe others the need to love them and transform their lives).
Listen to Podcast: THE INFLUENTIAL LEADER
Influence is not easy but it is a MUST for effective leadership because even to achieve the goals that brought you all together in the first place, you need influence or else you begin to deal with mediocrity, and followers that don’t understand the vision and the principles that guide you and the organization you are leading. These principles aren’t just what you ‘cook up’ as a leader but they Christ – Centered Principles. In this case, it is not about just getting your followers to have the work done for you as a leader, but transforming them in the process. Inspiring others to produce an extra ordinary outcome and in the process develop their own leadership capacity.
To be an Influential leader, you must be willing to serve. In Luke 22:24-26, the Bible says: “Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves.” Also, in 1Peter 5:2-3, it says: “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being [b]lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” Who are the flock? Those that still do the work. You can be lost in giving instructions that you don’t look to grooming the flock.
There are three things to take note of as an Influential leader
#1. Self-Identity: This is how you identify and define yourself. How do you see yourself? Do you see yourself outside of God? Remember how Jesus would always say, I and my Father are one! He knew himself and who sent him and he was able to lead others according to this understanding.
#2. Self-Awareness: Self-awareness is the conscious knowledge of your character and feelings. It is the state where you are the focus of attention. You want to get to know you and understand why you act the way you do. Self-awareness is so important as a leader because you get to understand why others behave the way they do based on your understanding of yourself. So, you are able to relate with them graciously, understand them, and help transform them in their area of weakness, not necessarily explaining their weakness away by saying that is how they are, but by helping them be better persons for themselves first and then for the organization you are in. Understand who you are beyond what others think of you and the notion of yourself by yourself. You can get to do this by taking personality type tests.
#3. Self-Leadership: Self-leadership is understanding who you are, and intentionally guiding yourself toward where you want to be. Self-leadership is important because it is necessary to help you accomplish your goals and to be a good leader to others. This way, you are able to lead by example and influence others to take action so that the goals of the organization are met. Self-leadership is the ability to lead yourself which automatically leaves you in a place to influence others because people cannot deny proofs. In this case, they can see proofs with your own life, by the way you guide your life and structure it. As a result, it is easy to follow you.
Leadership changes people when done well or demoralizes them when performed poorly. This is as a result of Influence. Choose to become a man or woman of influence, one who builds people up and not tear them down. I hope you have been blessed by today’s podcast, please share with your friends and drop your comments in the section below. My name is Olabisi Obayomi, keep being an influential leader.
Article Source: [Centre for New Dimension Leadership]
