Influential people have a profound impact on everyone they encounter. Yet, they achieve this only because they exert so much influence inside, on themselves.
We see only their outside.
We see them innovate, speak their mind, and propel themselves forward toward bigger and better things.
And, yet, we’re missing the best part.
The confidence and wherewithal that make their influence possible are earned. It’s a labor of love that influential people pursue behind the scenes, every single day.
And while what people are influenced by changes with
the season, the unique habits of influential people remain
constant. Their focused pursuit of excellence is driven by nine
habits that you can emulate and absorb until your influence
expands:
1. They think for themselves
Influential people aren’t buffeted by the latest
trend or by public opinion. They form their opinions carefully, on
the basis of the facts. They’re more than willing to change their
mind when the facts support it, but they aren’t influenced by what
other people think, only by what they know.
2. They are graciously disruptive
Influential people are never satisfied with the
status quo. They’re the ones who constantly ask “What if?” and “Why
not?” They’re not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom, and they
don’t disrupt things for the sake of being disruptive; they do it
to make things better.
3. They inspire conversation
When influential people speak, conversations spread
like ripples in a pond. And those ripples are multidirectional;
influencers inspire everyone around them to explore new ideas and
think differently about their work.
4. They leverage their networks
Influential people know how to make lasting
connections. Not only do they know a lot of people, they get to
know their connections’ connections. More important, they add value
to everyone in their network. They share advice and know-how, and
they make connections between people who should get to know each
other.
5. They focus only on what really matters
Influential people aren’t distracted by trivialities.
They’re able to cut through the static and clutter, focus on what
matters, and point it out to everyone else. They speak only when
they have something important to say, and they never bore people
with idle banter.
6. They welcome disagreement
Influential people do not react emotionally and defensively to dissenting opinions-they welcome them. They’re humble enough to know that they don’t know everything and that someone else might see something they missed. And if that person is right, they embrace the idea wholeheartedly because they care more about the end result than being right.
7. They are proactive
Influential people don’t wait for things like new
ideas and new technologies to find them; they seek those things
out. These early adopters always want to anticipate what’s next.
They’re influential because they see what’s coming, and they see
what’s coming because they intentionally look for it. Then they
spread the word.
8. They respond rather than react
If someone criticizes an influential person for
making a mistake, or if someone else makes a critical mistake,
influential people don’t react immediately and emotionally. They
wait. They think. And then they deliver an appropriate response.
Influential people know how important relationships are, and they
won’t let an emotional overreaction harm theirs. They also know
that emotions are contagious, and overreacting has a negative
influence on everyone around them.
9. They believe
Influential people always expect the best. They
believe in their own power to achieve their dreams, and they
believe others have that same power. They believe that nothing is
out of reach, and that belief inspires those around them to stretch
for their own goals. They firmly believe that one person can change
the world.
Bringing it all together
To increase your influence, you need to freely share your skills and insights, and you must be passionate in your pursuit of a greater future.