“I love you not because of who you are, but because of who I am when I am with you.” - Roy Croft

Wow – wouldn’t it be cool to have your team say that about you?

Very rarely am I involved in a conversation about leadership that does not include the topic of influence. I believe that influence is what most leaders seek; although, many will confuse influence with motivation. Motivation is important in leadership; it gets the job done. However, influence, is lasting. Influence is legacy.


Think about those people who influenced your life – in both positive and negative ways. We rarely forget the impact they had in shaping our behavior, thoughts, beliefs, and feelings. I know we eventually forgive those that had a negative influence on us. But…how often do we acknowledge and thank those who’ve had a positive influence on us?

I recently had the great honor to thank two very influential people in my life. It felt great to thank them, and even better to see the looks on their faces and feel the love in their hearts.

What are some steps we can take to grow our influence with others? Below are some sure-fire ways to increase our influence:

• Listen - actively listen to others
• Service – serve others and you serve your true self
• Acknowledge and honor others – take the time to say, “thank you because…”
• Fearless – be fearless by living in love. When you go first, others will follow
• Significance – instill significance and meaning in everything you do – it spreads like wild fire
• Passion – do what you love, and you'll love what you do
• Buy-in – when you gain buy-in, you’ve gained influence
• Authentic – above all, be your true, authentic self

One of my favorite quotes by Lao Tzu demonstrates influence at its best:

As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence. The next best, the people honor and praise. The next, the people fear, and the next the people hate. When the best leader's work is done, the people say, “We did it ourselves!"

What are some of the ways you’ve found to influence others?

With love,
Maria