Quotes Issue #5 — Influence
Sometimes subtle, sometimes unintentional, sometimes indirect, but always present.
“Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.”
—Albert Schweitzer
The concept is simple — if you cause an effect on something, then you influenced it. Great athletes influence the outcome of the game. Persuasive speakers influence the thinking of their audiences. Parents influence their children. Advertisements influence consumers.
Influence is everywhere all of the time. Sometimes it is direct and intentional. Other times it evolves over time through shared interactions.
For some, it is a goal. For others, it is an outcome.
From DepositPhotos.com
Leadership is all about influence
Because I work so much with leaders, I tend to see influence through the lens of leadership. Strategic planning conversations are essentially all about how leaders can influence outcomes. My coaching conversations with leaders often revolve around how they can be more effective in influencing those they lead.
It is not surprising that my favorite quotes on the subject of influence relate to influential leadership.
My five favorite quotes on influence
“A leader is best when people barely know he exists…when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will all say: We did it ourselves.”
—Lao-Tzu
“Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.”
—John C. Maxwell
“Be selective about your external influences. Your multi-dimensional brain is influenced by everything you see, hear, read, smell, touch, feel or say.”
—Brian Tracy
“Never underestimate the influence you have on others.”
—Laurie Buchanan
“Leadership calls for changing people's behavior. Influencers are those leaders who understand how to create rapid, profound, and sustainable behavior change.”
—Joseph Grenny
What’s your favorite quote regarding influence? Please share it with me.
Today’s Action Advice
Take a few minutes today to think about the influence you have in your work, with your friends and colleagues, with your children and grandchildren, in your community and place of worship. Ask yourself one question: Are you influencing intentionally or accidentally? It matters, because we can never not lead.