Have you ever heard the phrase, “It’s all in who you know?” Influence is the ability to have an effect on the character, behavior, and development of someone else. Life coach, John Maxell, says that leadership is influence, nothing more and nothing less. Being a good leader starts by having a positive influence on others.
As a child, you may have played the game “Follow the Leader.” Hopefully, the leader was responsible enough not to get you into trouble. You have a choice regarding who will influence you.
As a newborn baby, you were a clean slate. Everything you learned was taught to you by people of influence. Your first line of influence was your family that you were born into, your adoptive parents, or designated guardians. They taught you their values, beliefs, traditions, and customs.
As you aged, you began to attend school. Education became an influence in your life as you were taught fundamentals on all levels. If your family practiced a certain faith, then religion influenced you in your choices and decisions.
Life goes on, and the influences continue to accumulate. Media is influential on a 24-hour basis. We all watch it. And, if it’s on the internet, it has to be right. Right? Your favorite sports heroes or music artists in the area of arts and entertainment influence your emotions and feelings during your life’s highs and lows. Business is continually influencing us by drawing us into stores, practices, and services, expressing why we should invest our time and money with them. And, let’s not forget government. Its influence sets the boundaries and laws on how we live our lives among fellow citizens.
These seven areas are called the mountains of societal influence. We are all impacted by them throughout our lifetimes. Not only that, you rule on one or more of them. Your current position in life is a platform of influence. How are you using it for the betterment of others? Too often, people use their platform to get to the top while using others as stepping stones. However, to be an influencer with significance, you must inspire others to climb their mountains and create platforms that support their aspirations.
Be the influencer that plays a role in the success of others. Set an upstanding example that others can emulate while making our world a better place. Let’s keep growing and going. It’s a good time to be you!
Peace and Joy,
Coach Angela