Much like leadership itself, there is a belief that influencing others is something that comes with a title or an activity that not everyone can participate in. However, like leadership, anyone can be an influencer.

[Influence is an important skill for any leader.] The ability to influence upwards is advanced leadership and critical to those looking to advance beyond their current levels.

One of the most important things we can do as a leader is influence those we work for.There is a way to accomplish this without feeling as though you are stepping on any toes or stepping out of line.

I would like to make a difference, influence others, but my current title doesn't allow me to accomplish those things. Perhaps you have heard that before,

Decisions are happening continually in everyone’s life. As a leader, the number of decisions only increases and typically has a more significant impact on people beyond yourself.

Do you want to build trust with your team? How about improving engagement, is that important to you? Of course. Those are silly questions in today’s world.

I have always been both fascinated and a little annoyed by the phrase, “perception is reality.” The ironic thing is how I interpret that statement, and its use is a case of perception.

The idea and term of servant leadership is becoming more prevalent in discussions around styles and types of leaders. But many people may still not know what servant leadership really is. Over the course of the next several articles I am going to explore this subject and share my thoughts and insights into my own learning on this skillset of a leader.

Change management is a difficult thing. Asking people to do different things, some of which may feel uncomfortable in the sense that it is new or an activity they have never done before is one of the most challenging things a leader is asked to do. It can, however, be a rewarding and satisfying experience.

A while back I wrote [Culture is What You Do, Not Something That You Create in a Day] pointing out that culture is always there, the summation of the behaviors of everyone in your organization. That is what defines your culture, not what you espouse it to be.

John Maxwell said, ‘Leadership *is* influence’. He explains that leadership is a verb and not a noun. It is not a position, rather the act of leading to grow and develop others. If you cannot influence others the ability to lead them will be lost.