The Power of Influence!

Influence is power, directly or indirectly used to create a desired effect. Leaders most

definitely have “influence.” Some have it naturally, for instance, world and religious

leaders have a certain type of charisma that engages others and makes constituents and

congregations want to follow them. Others have learned how to develop the skill. In fact,

many books have been written on the subject. The most successful, “How to Win Friends

and Influence People,” was first published in 1936 and is still relevant today. !

At the foundation of influence, whether nature or nurture is “credibility.” In general,

those who appear to believe and practice their own message excite the masses. Leaders

with influence are deemed as trustworthy. They seem to walk the walk, and not just talk

the talk. Again, they epitomize credibility. They are consistent and have proven

themselves to accomplish their goals and to keep their word. If they say they are going to

do something, they usually do, and because of their actions and consistency over time,

they have earned the respect of others.