POWER vs. INFLUENCE: How you lead determines who (and how many) will follow.
Do you lead through power or influence? It’s an important question all leaders/managers should contemplate. . .
What’s the difference?
Power is the ability to force people to begrudgingly do what you want because of your position. (“Do it or there will be consequences!”)
Influence is the ability to get people to willingly do what you want them to do as a result of your personal influence and credibility you have earned with them. (“Sure, I’ll do it for YOU.)
Power relies on your title or position. Influence relies on moral authority, character—who you are as a person.
Relying on positional power may get you compliance. Relying on your moral authority and influence will get you commitment.
Building true influence is not about manipulating, cajoling, or pressuring people to do what you want them to do for your own personal benefit. Building true influence is about putting the needs of your people ahead of your own.
You reap what you sow. When you take care of your people and genuinely seek what is best for them, you will build influence with them.
In short, you can get whatever you want as long as you give your people everything they need, first.
How do you know when you’ve built authority and influence with your people?
When their greatest fear is that they’ll let you down.
Remember: Leading based on moral authority and influence is at the core of what it takes to truly become a world-class leader or “coach.”
