Becoming A Person of Influence- 10 Takeaways on Leadership

The ability to influence others is a skill that can transform relationships. John Maxwell’s timeless book, Becoming a Person of Influence, is a masterclass in understanding how to lead, inspire, and positively impact those around you.

Here are 10 takeaways you can apply in your everyday life.

 1. Integrity Is the Foundation of Trust 

Trust is the bedrock of influence. People follow leaders they trust, and trust is built on consistent integrity. If your words and actions don’t align, your influence will crumble very fast. What you can do:

·       Always follow through on your promises, no matter how small they seem. 

·       Regularly reflect on your values and ensure your decisions align with them. 

·       Ask trusted friends or colleagues for honest feedback about whether you’re living up to your principles and then use that feedback to make improvements.

 

2. Invest in People 

True influence comes from nurturing others. When you help people grow, they’ll not only respect you but also become loyal to you as a leader.  To invest in others:

·       Take time to mentor someone in your circle; whether it’s a colleague, friend, or family member but also ensure they are willing to be mentored. 

·       Celebrate the successes of others and give credit where it’s due. 

·       Be an active listener; sometimes, encouragement is as simple as letting someone feel heard.

 

3. Believe in Others’ Potential 

This is a powerful gift. Seeing potential in others can often inspire them to achieve more than they thought possible. Do:

·       Point out others strengths and let them know you see their value. 

·       Encourage others to take on new challenges that push them out of their comfort zone. 

·       Use positive affirmations such as saying “I believe in you” to spark confidence.

 

4. Add Value Wherever You Go 

Influence isn’t about what you can take from others; it’s about what you can give. Adding value builds trust and fosters meaningful relationships. To add value:

·       In every interaction, ask yourself: “How can I make this person’s day better?” 

·       Share useful resources or connections that could help others achieve their goals. 

·       Be intentional about understanding what each person needs understand that what adds value for one person might not work for another.

 

5. Patience Is Key: Influence Takes Time 

Becoming a person of influence isn’t something that happens overnight. Maxwell stresses the importance of patience and consistency in building lasting relationships and credibility. Do:

·       Focus on cultivating long-term connections rather than seeking quick wins. 

·       Dedicate time each week to improving yourself read books, attend workshops, or reflect on personal growth goals. 

·       Track small victories along the way as reminders that progress is happening.

 

6. Lead by Example 

Actions speak louder than words. People are far more likely to follow what you do than what you say.  Do:

·       Model the behaviors you want others to emulate; whether it’s positivity, resilience, or accountability. 

·       Stay calm under pressure because how you handle challenges sets the tone for those around you. 

·       Be open to feedback and show a willingness to grow, this demonstrates humility and inspires others to do the same.

 

7. Build Genuine Connections 

Influence is rooted in authentic relationships. Connecting with people on a personal level creates trust and loyalty far beyond surface-level interactions. Do:

·       Take time for meaningful conversations beyond work or transactional topics;ask about someone’s family or passions outside of work. 

·       Show empathy by truly listening without interrupting or offering solutions too quickly. 

·       Use personal touches like celebrating milestones;t shows you care.

 

8. Master the Art of Communication 

Great influencers know how to communicate effectively because they listen well, speak clearly, and adapt their message based on their audience’s needs and emotions. Do:

·       Practice active listening by summarizing what someone says before responding it shows respect for their perspective.

·       Use storytelling when sharing ideas, it makes your message more relatable and memorable.

·       Ask for feedback on how your communication style could improve as growth starts with self-awareness.

 

 9. Empower Others Through Delegation

Empowering others not only builds their confidence but also multiplies your impact as a leader. Do:

·       Delegate tasks based on people’s strengths and passions as this helps them shine while lightening your load.

·       Provide guidance when needed but avoid micromanaging; trust people to figure things out.

·       Celebrate their successes publicly while offering constructive feedback privately when necessary.

 

10. Create More Influencers

The ultimate goal of influence is creating other leaders who can carry forward the vision and inspire even more people. Do:

·       Share what you’ve learned with others so they can grow too whether through mentoring, teaching, or simply leading by example.

·       Encourage those you’ve mentored to pay it forward by mentoring others.

·       Look for opportunities within your team or community where people can step into leadership roles.

In conclusion, Influence Starts with You. As Maxwell wisely points out, influence starts with who you are on the inside before it extends outward.