Is your ability to influence others tied to your influenceability?
First, I need to note that many believe the mark of a true leader lies in their ability to influence others. Oh, sure, a leader can order a subordinate to do something. Militaries have depended on this leader/subordinate relationship for thousands of years.
However, in business, a leader’s success depends on their ability to influence others to take the action they want.
That begs the question, “How do I become a leader capable of influencing others?”
The Seven Be’s of Influence
An article from Inc Magazine identified seven ways to build influence in the workplace. I have since adapted these into what I call the “Seven Be’s of Influence.”
- Be Trustworthy. Trust opens the door to influence. If someone doesn’t trust you, you have little chance of influencing them.
- Be Consistent. Consistency establishes reliability, and reliability builds trust.
- Be Confident. Convey your thoughts and ideas with confidence.
- Be Flexible. Remain open to suggestions while you solicit other’s opinions.
- Be Relational. Establish personal working relationships to cultivate a sense of teamwork.
- Be Action-Oriented. Actions speak louder than words. Establish a track record of successful actions builds trust.
- Be a Listener. Leverage the diversity of thought among your coworkers and employees by listening to their opinions.
Now, look back at these Seven Be’s of Influence. They all have something in common. To a greater or lesser extent, each one of these seven be’s is tied to your influenceability! (Yes, influenceability is a word, and no, I didn’t make it up.)
Said another way, the extent to which others influence you has a great deal to do with how much you will influence others!
Influenceability is a Biblical Trait
It turns out that the idea of leaders being open to the influence of others is a Biblical precept.
Trustworthy
Writing to the Corinthians, Paul stressed the importance of managers being trustworthy.
“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
Consistent
Paul, this time in his letter to the Ephesians, stressed the importance of consistency among mature Christians.
“…no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14).
Confident
Despite facing terrible hardships, Paul told the Philippians he was confident that God would help him complete the work he was called to complete.
“I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Flexible
To demonstrate his willingness to be flexible in presenting the Gospel, Paul said,
“To the weak, I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may, by all means, save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22).
Relational
Writing to the Thessalonians, Paul encouraged them to build relationships within the community by building each other up and encouraging one another.
“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. one another up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Action-Oriented
Writing to his young protégé, Timothy, Paul spoke of the importance of actions, which set an example for others.
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12)
And then writing to Titus, Paul spoke again about the importance of how actions are an example for others.
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned” (Titus 2:7-8).
Listen
Solomon told his son listening to instruction and teaching, brings honor and beauty into your life.
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck” (Proverbs 1:8-9)
Solomon again spoke of the importance of a leader listening to sound advice from others.
“The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice” (Proverbs 12:15)
Increase Your Influence
Think about one or two people in your life that have the greatest influence on you. What was it that made them special? My bet is they displayed most, if not all, of the seven “Be’s of Influence.”
They were people who you trusted because they were consistent, and their actions spoke louder than their words.
They expressed themselves confidently but were flexible and took the time to listen to you.
Finally, they took the time to build a real relationship with you.
The best way to make an impact in your corner of the world, to be a leader of influence, is to be influenceable!
More Articles
I’ve written several articles discussing leader qualifications. Here are several I think you’ll enjoy. If you want even more, just search the site for “leader qualifications.”
- #340: Is the Road to Ruin Paved with Pride?
- #338: How to Get Your Boss to Not Trust You
- #335: What Three Traits Does God Require Leaders to Have?
- #298: What Does A Powerful, Impactful, Authentic Leader Look Like?
- #260: What Qualities Should a Godly Leader Have?
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. Which of the seven “Be’s of Influence” do you need to work on to increase your influenceability?
I’d love your help. This blog is read primarily because of people like you who share it with friends. Would you be kind enough to share it by pressing the share button?
Category: Personal Development | Leader Qualifications
