From Doer to Influencer: The Leadership Shift That Will Change Your Game!

Getting More Done Through Influence: The Art of Leadership

As the sun reaches its zenith and the bustle of the day takes hold, I find myself reflecting on a recurring theme that’s been at the forefront of my conversations with clients lately. It’s a topic that’s not only timely but has become increasingly vital in our professional landscape: the shift from hands-on execution to the nuanced art of leadership and influence.

Why, you might ask, is this shift so critical? For many leaders, the journey from being the one who performs tasks to guiding the next generation, or from managing daily operations to overseeing a more formalized business structure, is a significant transition. Imagine the business owner who once wielded tools, now stepping back to orchestrate their team’s productivity from the vantage point of a Chairperson. This evolution from doer to influencer is a profound one, and it touches every aspect of an organization.

Leadership, in its purest form, is about influence—nothing more, nothing less. This principle holds true whether you’re leading a team, engaging with stakeholders, or even within your family and local community. The essence of leadership transcends the boundaries of the corporate world and is deeply rooted in the relationships we build and nurture.

Now, consider this: who are you influencing? Your team, your suppliers, your customers—each interaction is an opportunity to lead. But leadership is not about wielding authority from a position of power. It’s about people. When you attempt to influence solely based on your title or role, you risk falling into less effective methods of leadership, such as coercion or manipulation.

Instead, consider a different approach: influence through exchange. This is where true leadership shines, creating scenarios where everyone wins. It’s a symbiotic relationship that fosters mutual growth and trust. And trust, my friends, is the cornerstone of any high-performing team or organization. Without it, leadership is reduced to mere coercion.

People generally seek answers to three fundamental questions:

Do you care about me?
Can you help me?
Can I trust you?

When you can confidently respond with a resounding ‘yes’ to all three, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of influence.

Imagine an orchestra conductor, baton in hand, directing a symphony of musicians. The conductor doesn’t play each instrument but leads each member to create a harmonious performance. That’s the power of influence—guiding a collective effort to achieve more than any individual could alone.

So, how does one increase their influence? It’s simple: add value. Begin with yourself, becoming more valuable to others, and then extend that value directly to those around you. Whether it’s your employees, family, or community, when you serve and support others, your influence naturally expands.

Remember, the greatest limitation to growth, be it personal or organizational, often lies within ourselves. By investing in your own development, you not only enhance your capabilities but also your capacity to positively influence others.

To help you embark on this journey of self-improvement and increased influence, I offer you the Reflection Starter Kit. Over the next seven days, ask yourself these three questions daily:

What went well?
What went poorly?
What do I need to do differently?

Reflecting on these questions and actively adapting your behavior is the key to amplifying your influence.

Whether you’re navigating the complexities of business, contributing to a non-profit, or serving in the public sector, these principles of influence are universally applicable. Embrace them, and you’ll find that your ability to lead and achieve through others will soar.

I encourage you to ponder these insights and consider how they can transform your approach to leadership. For those eager to delve deeper and explore what this means for you personally, let’s connect. Let’s have a conversation and unlock the potential of getting more done through the power of influence.

Book a Discovery Call at https://calendly.com/chris-5ns/brief-overview-call