“The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority”
— Ken Blanchard
I hear from many leaders who feel overwhelmed by their inability to drive positive outcomes with their teams. They have great plans, excellent strategies, and proven practices in place, yet they aren’t experiencing the success they expect. So, how can leaders be doing all the “right” things but still get the wrong results? The answer lies within: despite their polished external appearances, they have a messy interior life.
Influence Starts from Within
No matter what strategies or systems a leader sets in motion, at the end of the day, people don’t just listen to what you say—they feel who you are. Your influence isn’t just a result of the plans you put forward; it’s rooted in your internal mindset, attitudes, and beliefs. Influence is an inside job: what happens within you determines what happens through you.
Your inward position dictates how you relate to others. If you’re struggling to gain influence, it’s important to look inward and ask yourself: Am I operating from a place of authenticity and connection, or am I allowing internal turmoil to cloud my leadership?
The Hard Truth About Influence
Here’s a hard truth that I’ve observed throughout my leadership journey: many leaders love their title more than their team members. When that happens, it doesn’t take long for leaders to lose their position. Influence can’t be sustained by title alone. True influence is earned through trust, respect, and genuine relationships.
“Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact, influence and inspiration. Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work, and you have to inspire team-mates and customers.”
— Robin S. Sharma
To be influential, leaders must have faith in people. That means we can’t afford to harbor negative feelings like fear, contempt, or dislike. If we’re afraid of our team, we’ll be too intimidated to lead them effectively. If we dislike them, we’ll fail to put their best interests at the forefront. If we look down on people, we’ll treat them as inferiors. Influence comes from adding value to others—but we can only add value to people once we see value in them.
The Power of Relating to Others
Throughout my leadership journey, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about getting results—it’s about building relationships. I’ve faced many ups and downs, and that has fueled my empathy for others. However, it’s also made me less empathic to not make excuses for a lack of progress. I’ve learned that the dreams and passions stored within people’s hearts are powerful sources of energy and motivation.
When you make the effort to understand and encourage your team’s dreams, you unlock their potential and earn their respect. With that respect comes leadership influence—the kind that lasts.
(3) Takeaways to Help You Increase Your Influence
1. People will follow you not just because of what you say but because of who you are. Reflect on your inner attitudes. Are you operating from a place of positivity, belief, and authenticity? Your internal state will determine your influence on the external world.
2. True influence isn’t derived from holding a title or exercising authority. It comes from connecting with people on a human level. Make it a habit to understand, encourage, and support the dreams and goals of your team members. Lead with empathy, and they will follow you with trust.
3. Before you can influence others, you must first see the value in them. Influence isn’t about controlling or manipulating outcomes—it’s about recognizing the worth of others and adding value to their lives. When you see and appreciate your team’s potential, they’ll respect you, and your influence will grow naturally.
Influence isn’t about what you have on the outside — it’s about who you are on the inside.
Lead from within, build genuine relationships, and watch your leadership influence grow in ways you never thought were even a possibility!