ROSS SWAN

To lead is to influence

Leadership is not telling others what to do. Leadership is inspiring others to do what needs to be done. This includes leaders of self because everyone at some point needs to influence another. Understanding people is key to this.

— BY ROSS SWAN

So, what makes people choose to do something? Life is about making choices and most of these are made unconsciously. The unconsciousness has a built-in radar that seeks out some form of happiness. In essence, people want to be happy, and their subconscious radar is on a constant look out to find it. In whatever form that is. To influence is to have an impact on the behaviours, attitudes, opinions, and choices of others. Influence is not to be confused with power or control. So, if you are wanting to influence someone’s decision then you need to lead them towards their unconscious goal… happiness. Which is based on how the person understands happiness.

This is where good leadership connects with influencing. Good leaders bring a sense of purpose that people get. People are happy when the feel they have a purpose.

If you want to influence, then you need to first attract people to you, then your idea. The attraction only happens when trust is involved. Leading yourself is no different, you first have to trust yourself and then your thought which comes idea from a desire to be happy, consciously, or otherwise.

A great influencer always asks the question, how does what I am asking them to do, align with their goals and values? Looking at it from this perspective, it is about building everyone up. It’s the true win-win where everyone becomes better off than they were before. It’s taking them towards their goal… happiness.

A great leader of self asks the same question. Does what I am asking myself to do, fit with my values. In other words, am I being true to my inner self? Both your heart and your head need to have the same alignment. This brings about a sense of contentment… happiness.

So, to sum up, to influence is know the person you want to influence. Understand and highlight what they see as a benefit (happiness) and you will most likely achieve what you set out to do.

ABOUT ROSS SWAN

Ross is a perceptive and responsive leadership consultant, coach and trainer, with broad experience in varied industries worldwide, including financial services, construction, energy, beauty products, logistics, distribution, retail, engineering, hospitality, airlines, and manufacturing.

Ross is also a dynamic speaker and podcaster with outstanding skills in communication, presentation, training, teambuilding, and interpersonal relations. He works internationally, spanning a variety of industries around the globe with his projects encompassing many diverse cultural backgrounds.

Throughout the years, Ross has developed a growing desireto put an ongoing emphasis on bringing more soul into business and he believes that the most effective leaders are soul inspired.

You can catch Ross at www.soul-inspiredleadership.com