Leadership is Intentional Influence

“At the end of the day, leadership is intentional influence… True leaders possess the repeatable capacity to influence rapid, profound, and sustainable behavior change to produce valued results. (Grenny, Patterson, Maxfield McMilan and Switzler in Crucial Influence)”

Once upon a time, in what may seem like another galaxy, the Great Man theory espoused that leaders were born with the inherent skills and abilities to lead - you either had it (at birth it seems) or you didn’t. Of course this theory and thinking led to leadership and rule by aristocracy and was primarily white and male.  Leadership within this model was centered around Command-and-Control methods of leading. 

Today we understand that leadership is open to everyone as it can in fact be learned. Also, command-and-control may create compliance but not engagement and ownership.  In today’s ever more complex world leaders need to bring their heart, empathy, vulnerability and the ability to bring people together to co-create solutions. 

The organization and the individual must know and widely share their purpose, meaning, contribution and values. It is through this lens that leaders must show up fully, listen deeply and engage with their people.  From this foundation leaders can then truly influence. Once you are grounded in the foundation, leaders must have a clear understanding - an intentionality, if you will - of what they want to achieve with their influence. 

Has a leader ever influenced you to grow, to change behavior or to take action? How did they achieve that influence with you?

[Note. The word ‘influencer’ has taken on a different meaning with the overwhelming onslaught of social media personalities who earn their living by peddling a broad swathe of products and services. That’s not exactly what we are discussing here.]