Whether we know it or not, every action we take has a ripple effect of INFLUENCE over everyone with whom we interact. It's a great power, and it requires great responsibility.
For many of my clients, the sessions on INFLUENCE and PERSUASION are sometimes perceived in a maleficent light. Many people are so put off by manipulative individuals that they naturally eschew any thought of increasing their powers in this regard. Manipulation does have a negative connotation. However, INFLUENCE; it is a muscle we can exercise in every minute of our waking hours.
Robert Cialdini in his national bestseller "Influence, The Psychology of Persuasion" uncovers tricks and techniques used consciously and unconsciously by people to get what they want, sometimes in exchanges that are objectively not fair. How many of us have encountered a Hare Krishna who gives us a flower, a bracelet, or a devotional card? There is a deep-seated human response known as "Reciprocity" that increases the probability of obtaining a donation. The Hare Krishna employed this response so effectively as to create an economic boon which funded the acquisition of over 300 properties worldwide.
INFLUENCE is not a calculated set of behaviors to elicit a particular response. INFLUENCE is something altogether different. What we are talking about here is the abilities to:
- Teach People How to Think and look at things from a different perspective.
- Challenge People to move beyond their comfort zones, and grow
- Act as a Role Model through your everyday behavior, while in public, and most importantly, when no one is watching.
Asking the right questions at the right time can change a person's perspective. For example, a friend comes to you with a relationship problem with their partner. You can see they are behaving with resentment. Asking them, "From your partners perspective, how do you think they view what happened?" Simple, but sufficient to get them to think about things differently.
"He who influences the thought of his times influences the times that follow.
- Elbert Hubbard
Influencers challenge people. They test their character. This takes COURAGE. It may seem confrontational, but in reality, when applied with love and empathy, it is a profoundly gratifying gift and service of the highest order.
"The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great at whatever they want to do."
- Kobe Bryant
Albert Schweitzer once said: "Example is Leadership." High-Performers are always looking for ways to behave in a way that sets an example. That is pretty clear. Looked at differently, High-Performers are great leaders, but they are also exceptional followers. In extension, they are also cognizant of great role models. They are open to changing the way they think by the perspectives that are presented by others.
I hope in this series of five BLOGS covering CLARITY, ENERGY, PRODUCTIVITY, COURAGE, and INFLUENCE you get a sense of the type of life-altering breakthroughs that High-Performance Coaching can bring you.
Photo Source: The Author
Photo Details: Captain Clem Councy of the Gloucester Gig Rowers, The Great River Race, September 2018, The Thames, London U.K.
