Influence…The Good and The Bad
How do the people around you influence you? What behaviors change when you are with certain people? How have you noticed shifts in your behavior over time?
Have you ever been driving along with a car coming up beside you, looked down and noticed that you were speeding? You didn't realize it but you are now matching their speed, being unconsciously influenced by their presence. Or maybe you are listening to a peer tell you how excited they are to have landed that big account they had been working so hard on for months, and you notice your cheeks hurting from smiling as you listened.
The truth is, everyone is impressionable and we can all be influenced by the behavior of others, the good and the bad. We are most at risk for being influenced by others when we are unconfident or unsure of ourselves. When we are uncertain, we look to others for clues on how to behave.
As a leader, the influence you have on others is even more important. Having the ability to influence and inspire others, is a top leadership capability. Your employees are looking to you to understand what acceptable behavior looks like. They look for it in your actions, your decisions and your behavior and they are looking for consistency. This is a huge responsibility that comes along with being a leader. You don't have the option to turn it on and off. You are always on.
Here are some questions you should be keeping at the forefront of your actions, decisions and behaviors.
How does this align with your values and are you staying true to your values?
Why are you taking this action / behaving this way - what is your motive?
Is this a conscious action / decision and what is your gut telling you?
Are you acting in a way that will inspire others and as a positive influence?
As a leader, NEVER UNDERESTIMATE the impact you have on others.
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