Minute with Mike: Leadership Bytes for Today's Fast-Paced World

Influence is a powerful tool in leadership. It shapes how we guide others, make decisions, and build relationships. But not all ways of influencing are good. Today, let's explore the four worst methods of influence, inspired by John C. Maxwell's insights on leadership. Understanding these can help us become better leaders and build healthier work environments.

In our journey to becoming influential leaders, we've delved into the "WHO" of influence and navigated through insightful self-assessments. Today, let's broaden our perspective to explore the "HOW" of influence — a crucial aspect that determines the breadth, duration, and effectiveness of our impact on others.

We'll reflect on an intriguing concept - that as leaders, we don't just attract what we want; we attract what we are. This episode challenges you to look in the mirror and ask yourself: Do I embody the traits that I value in leadership? Join us as we dissect these pillars of leadership, share personal insights, and provide practical advice on how to incorporate these traits into your leadership style to not only attract the right team members but also to inspire and influence effectively.

In the realm of leadership our capacity to influence others and bring value to ourselves and our teams plays a role in determining our success. In previous blogs we have explored leadership styles that impact and the significance of self evaluation. Today we continue our journey of self assessment by focusing on how you perceive your influence as a leader.

Let's dive into leadership without relying on clichés and sentimental language, uncovering practical insights and actionable advice that will resonate with you and empower you to become a more impactful leader.

In the world of leadership, we often talk about influence. Our impact on others, whether intentional or not, can profoundly shape their lives. J.R. Miller wisely noted, "Our influence, no matter how brief a moment in time, leaves an impression for life and eternity." Today, I want to delve into a remarkable story highlighting forgiveness's profound power and how it can transform negative influence into lifelong positivity.

In the realm of leadership, it's not uncommon to hear phrases like "lead by example", "walk the talk", or "practice what you preach." These expressions underscore the significance of a leader's actions and behaviors in influencing those they lead.

Whatever your influencing style, here's a thought from author J.R. Miller: "There have been meetings of only a moment, which have left impressions for life, for eternity. No one can understand that mysterious thing we call influence, yet every one of us continually exerts influence, either to heal, to bless, to leave marks of beauty, or to wound, to hurt, to poison, to stain other lives."

In one of my recent podcasts, we delved into the fascinating topic of influence and posed some essential questions. The most significant was, "Do you think of yourself as an influencer?" I received some insightful responses from many of you, and one particular conversation I had with a friend stood out. My friend confessed that they didn't consider themselves to have much influence. This revelation sparked an engaging discussion about the diverse types of influence, ranging from being a "negative influence" to a "positive influence." Today, I invite you to continue exploring this subject with me as we ponder our impact on others in various aspects of life - family, friends, work, church, the community, and beyond.

In today's digital age, "Influencer" has become synonymous with social media stars, celebrities, and content creators. While they certainly possess a form of influence, it is essential to recognize that influence extends beyond the online world. Think about those who have profoundly impacted your life - family members, friends, mentors, teachers, or community leaders. These individuals may not have millions of followers, but their influence on your personal growth and development has been immeasurable.

As we continue exploring "adding value" to others and ourselves this week and in the coming weeks, we'll delve into the profound concept of becoming a person of influence. According to renowned author, speaker, and leadership expert John C. Maxwell, one of the most effective strategies for success is to "Become a Person of Influence." Maxwell beautifully encapsulates the essence of leadership by stating, "Leadership is influence – nothing more, nothing less.

I'm excited to continue our conversation about adding value to others. Adding value to others has always been close to my heart, and the value we bring to others can make a significant difference in their lives. I came across a quote that perfectly captures what we're discussing. It's by Brian Dyson, the former CEO of Coca-Cola, who delivered a powerful speech during the 172nd commencement at Georgia Tech in September 1991. He said, "Value has a value only if its value is valued." These words struck a chord with me because they highlight the importance of recognizing and appreciating the value we bring to the table.

Throughout this series, I aim to encourage you to "Add Value to Others," but there is a crucial first step: "Value Yourself." As the adage goes, "You can't give away what you don't possess."