Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Leadership: Influence

The skill of influence is critical in today's business environment, whether you are a leader with title or not. As Ken Blanchard states, "The key to successful leadership is influence, not authority".

Over the past few weeks I've run a number of programs with new, and aspiring, leaders - in the financial services sector, the safety industry as well as in policing. Regardless of our title, we have the ability to influence others. In fact, when we are not in an official position of power, the skill of influence may become even more important in accomplishing our goals and objectives.

"Because everything we say and do is the length and shadow of our souls, our influence is determined by the quality of our being" - Dale Turner

Consider the following:
1. How are you using your skills of influence?
2. What impact is influence having on your work?
3. Who is in your circle of influence? Who is missing?

A great book with more information on this topic is Kerry Patterson's Influencer: The Power to Change Anything. A definite read!

Have a great week,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton
Author of Effective Group Coaching
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

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