Throughout history we have had many leaders, CEOs and Presidents. And yet when we look back, we don’t remember the names of all of the leaders. In fact, if you did a survey, the list of leaders people can name is pretty small. People like George Washington, Martin Luther King, or Mother Theresa come to mind as people who had significant impact during their lifetimes.
Many people carry a leader’s title, so why are some remembered while others are forgotten? How is it that we are electing our 47th President as a country and yet we mostly only remember a small number of those who served in the past? I would suggest that those who are remembered were people of influence. Being influential has nothing to do with your title. Instead, it is based on personal and relational power that is used to serve others.
You have only to look at an example like Nelson Mandela who as a prisoner with no title or money, negotiated better conditions for the other prisoners. Another great example is a retired British officer who was approaching 100 years of age and raised millions to fund their National Health Service during COVID by walking laps around his garden. Despite his age and lack of office, he was one person who was able to make a difference for health care workers.
Being a leader of influence involves being committed to making a difference for others. Our commitment must compel us to continue our efforts whether it is convenient or not. Our persistence and determination will attract others to follow and be engaged.
Finally, influencing others requires us to choose to serve out of gratitude and humility. It is a privilege to lead and influence others. Leading does not mean that we know the most or are the best at everything. Rather we demonstrate how to lead in a collaborative and engaging way to produce the best for others. Leadership requires sacrifice and hard work. It stretches us and requires the best of who we are.
Let’s choose to be people of influence not just someone with a title.
