How to Lead by Influence | No Title Required

The word ‘leadership’ is sorely misused in our culture every day. We commonly refer to those in management or executive positions as ‘leaders’. Leadership does not automatically come with a position. Titles do not guarantee a manager will be a leader. Conversely: anyone can be a leader – whether you have a title or not.

Leadership is earned and it can be learned! Leadership is a characteristic resulting from demonstrated, and intentional actions. The word ‘action’ is the focus here. Lack of intentional action is oftentimes the gap between success and abject failure to become a leader.

We judge ourselves by our intent. Others judge us by our actions. – Unknown

No Position, No Worries

Influential leadership is one of the most challenging and rewarding types of leadership there is. When you have no positional title yet need to lead individuals, you are essentially bypassing Level 1 of leadership and going straight to Level 2. You might be thinking: “Awesome! I’ve already leveled up!” Before you get too excited, understand that you must earn your influence.

Level 1 of leadership, according to John Maxwell, is Positional Leadership. Obviously, this comes with a title. People follow you (do what you say) because they have to. You are the ‘boss’. When you are leading by influence, you aren’t the ‘boss’ but still need to motivate, inspire, and somehow ensure that people will follow you!

Positives of Permission

Influential leadership is the very first TRUE step into genuine leadership. Level 1 (Position) is not actually leading people. Level 1 professionals will only ever be a manager or a boss. With Level 1 ‘bosses’, their employees will do the very bare minimum required to not get fired. No one is actually following them, they are tolerating them.

People who [rely on their position] may be bosses, but they will never be leaders. – John Maxwell

The beautiful thing about Influential Leadership is that people follow you because they trust you and respect who you are as an individual. In order to build and maintain relationships, you have to continually demonstrate integrity, credibility, and trust.

 

Influential Leadership is Built on Relationships

The ability to connect with others will determine your ability to influence them. In fact, our success personally and professional hinges upon the ability to build strong relationships with others. Powerful connectors have several things in common:

1. They Value Others
2. They Choose People Over Positions
3. They Demonstrate Authenticity
4. They Have an Inclusive Mindset
5. They Listen Effectively
6. They Communicate Well
7. They Demonstrate Selflessness

Those that can lead by influence can break down organizational silos and start common-ground conversations. Because you value people as individuals, not as a number or a means to an end – you are more likely to gain trust regardless of your ‘status’.

1. Valuing Others

The number one rule when it comes to valuing other people is that you actually have to like and respect others. For some, this is a hurdle they must overcome before they can lead people effectively. For others, being likable and liking others comes naturally. Show you value others by:

• Timely and specific acknowledgment
• Getting to know people personally
• Saying “Thank You” when appropriate
• Taking your time to help others

2. People over Positions

When you value other people, you don’t ‘see’ their position, you see the person. If you become stuck on a title, you are probably more impressed by a position than the value the person can bring to a situation. [bctt tweet=”When you value people over positions, you are more likely to treat others and you would want to be treated.” username=”CoachEurban”]

The bonuses of this trait are:

• You are more likely to break down organizational silos
• You can speak with ease to professionals at all levels in the organization
• You are more likely to demonstrate authentic behavior
• You are able to inspire others to trust you

3. Demonstrated Authenticity

Being authentic is critical towards building trust with others. For some, this can be frightening. Those that are still caught up in medieval management methods will try to put on a façade when dealing with others. Most people believe that one must demonstrate that they are stronger, better, faster, and smarter when they are in a position of leading others.

Conversely: admitting that you don’t know everything and being open to new ideas is essential to influential leadership. No one will follow someone that clearly thinks they have all the answers. However, a motivational leader will know to ask questions first. An influential leader will gather thoughts and ideas from others and acknowledge contributions.

4. Inclusive Mindset

The inclusive mindset comes hard on the heels of valuing other people. When you genuinely value other ideas, thoughts, and contributions – you are naturally inclusive. Inclusive means that you willingly reach out to others. You want to include others in decision making and coming up with new ideas. You care about people so you care about what they have to say.

People won’t go along with you unless they can get along with you. – John Maxwell

An inclusive mindset does NOT mean that you cannot think for yourself. It also doesn’t mean that you are indecisive or weak-willed. Being inclusive simply demonstrates that you are open to others contributions and willing to acknowledge their contributions.

5. Effective Listening

Those that talk but don’t listen send clear signals that they do not care about others as much as they care about what they have to say. This is a common downfall of many public speakers. Becoming so focused on what you need to talk about will deny you the ability to connect with your audience.

Listen longer that you would naturally – that’s when you hit gold! When you listen past the pause and don’t interrupt, often the speaker will come full circle in the conversation or come to an epiphany.

The ability to attentively listen without your mind interrupting with its own agenda is also a fine art. Eye contact and body language also play a huge part in being an effective listener. Are you leaning in or appearing disinterested. Are you making eye contact or staring at your phone? Manage your mind, body, and attention to be an effective listener.

6. Communication

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” – George Bernard Shaw

Communicating well distinguishes you as a person that can deliver a concept or information in a clear, concise manner with empathy to your audience. Those that ramble, don’t make a point, or struggle to articulate a concept will not win any credibility points. As an experienced speaker once said: “Tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them, and tell them what you told them.”

Repetition of concepts, as applicable, is important to get your ideas across to others. If you aren’t getting your ideas across concisely: write it down with an opening, body of information, and a close. Be wary of over-explaining and keep your communication current (don’t hash out history) and relevant. Tailor your word choice to your audience so they can relate. Use short stories to help your audience relate to the concept.

To support influential leadership, here are 3 main highlights of an effective communicator in group settings:

• Practice being the last to speak in a group setting.
• Ask for input when delivering an idea.
• Listen to others without interjecting (unless asked).

7. Becoming Unselfish

[bctt tweet=”Genuine leadership is focused on supporting others and lifting them up to their success.” username=”CoachEurban”]

Influential Leadership is not about you and how wonderful you are. One of the biggest myths in the world of business is that you can step on others to get to the top. You might get to the top, but you can’t stay there because you have no support.

Ironically: the more you give to others the more you will receive. That is the gap in understanding true leadership. A well-known and appropriate label for this leadership perspective is called ‘Servant Leadership’. I firmly believe that there isn’t any other kind of genuine leadership other than servant leadership.

Servant leadership is not about being a doormat or trying to be everyone’s friend. Effective influential leadership is demonstrated by someone that understands they exist to support others in their achievements but is firm in their convictions, owns their impact, is strong enough to be kind and sets respectful boundaries based upon their core values.

Erin Urban LSSBB, CPDC – is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council, a certified career growth and leadership development coach with almost a decade of mentoring and coaching successful professional transformations. With an extensive background in leading individual, cultural and organizational change initiatives: her mission is to lift others up to defy their limits and exceed their goals.

For more information, visit uppsolutions.net and connect with Erin on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Seen on besomebody.com & Forbes.com

 

 

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