influence (3)

Tips from FLOTUS on Leadership

Our First Lady Michelle Obama has done it again!  Every time she speaks she drops us knowledge to help us reflect our own way of thinking and actions! After watching the Democratic National Convention here is what I took away. 

"He believes when you work hard and you cross the door of opportunity, don't slam it! Don't close the door behind you! You REACH BACK and bring others up! @MichelleObama

1. Leadership is 100% about creating new leaders. If you are at the top and love the feeling of being above your subordinates then your motives for leadership are off. Effective leaders lead because they want to create change, influence others to take action, and work their way to a position to challenge the same in others. 

"Being President doesn't change who you are, it reveals who you are." @MichelleObama

2. Leadership is an internal expression of an inward ability. Leaders shouldn't become someone "new" once they get into their position because leadership is not about position. Leadership is about the ability to influence change on any level. It reveals who you are because it should be who you are. 
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"That's the man I see in those quiet moments late at night, hunched over his desk, poring over the letters people have sent him," she said. "I see the concern in his eyes ... and I hear the determination in his voice as he tells me, 'You won't believe what these folks are going through, Michelle . it's not right. We've got to keep working to fix this. We've got so much more to do." She added: "I see how that's what drives Barack Obama every single day."

3. Leadership is about the drive! What fuels you to keep going even in difficult situations? Leaders have to have something to refresh their energy. They frequently revisit the reason for the cause. They hear the voices of the people they are working for and figure out solutions to fix them. Leaders are true problem solvers. 

"In the end, for Barack, these issues aren't political. They're personal," she said.

4. Leaders have values. They add value to the issues they value! Simply put they stand for what they believe in.  It allows authenticity and a personal connection to be made.
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INCREASING YOUR CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE

As a new leader, visionary or entrepreneur, your sphere of influence is your power circle. Influence is all about the people you connect with constantly. If you don't have one then you aren't leading. If you aren't sure whose in this circle you are leading the blind. The goal of all leaders should be to increase their circle and cater to the interests and needs of their circle of influence.

As a leader you should have a team who is dependent on your vision and leadership to guide them. This is your sphere on influence. Your energy is dedicated to the visions, the mission, and your team. You should know what is most important to that circle and how you are reaching them. You need to know how your circle receive information best and how frequently you need to contact them to keep them motivated.

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To tap into your sphere of influence think about this:

  • Who is currently in your circle of influence? Who do you currently connect to consistently? Do you share the same values, career, problems? What attracts you to one another? Think about if this is the group you need to sell the vision you have. If not begin to think about who you need to add to your circle. 
  • Who would I like to include in my circle of influence? Maybe there are a group of professionals who you'd like to market your vision to but you aren't currently. You have to study places they frequent and who they tend to gravitate to. You've got to do what you need to, to grab their attention and once you've got it give them all you've got. They need to leave understanding who you are, what you do, and why they should care. Think about this carefully before approaching new influences. 
  • What is most important to them? Know their values and principles. Know what problems they have, what makes them tick, and where they go to de-stress. You need this information to target and position yourself to be on their radar. Once you are speaking to them you have a few speaking points of their interest, and you can now transition into telling them more about you and what you do. 
  • How can I communicate what I know to that circle of influence? Once your initial contact how can you stay in contact with them. When you exchange business cards you can ask if they'd like to know more about the topic you discussed and get permission to add their email to your list. Now you have targeted exactly who you need to have on your list and you can win them into your circle of influence! 
Learn to follow your circle and they will learn to follow you!!
For more practical advice on how to connect to your circle join me for the Accelerate your Vision Tele-seminar by visiting www.permissiontodrive.com/teleseminar.html 
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Your Positive Influence

Every one of us has a powerful influence on other people in some manner. The responsibility is huge especially among friends and family members.  It is up to us to serve as positive role models because there are certain people who are placed in our path specifically for us to influence. Our positive attributes help to reshape the world.

As we pursue our businesses, let's not get discouraged by the nay-sayers or negativity around us. Let's not be influenced by the downfalls of others. Instead, be persistent and persevere. Keep your mindset in a positive state so that whoever is watching you, will be convinced as well.

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