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Influence and Trust: You Can't Have One Without the Other Influence. According to Webster, it is "the power to affect a person or course of events." Can you benefit from being more influential? I'm convinced that no matter who you are, you can. The definition of effective leadership is simply the exercise of influence in another person's life to bring about positive change. We are all called to be leaders in this capacity. No matter where you work, I suspect having more of an impact on your coworkers and supervisors would enhance your prospects for promotion and your effectiveness for the kingdom of God. The Right Motive for Promotion There's nothing wrong with wanting to increase your level of influence. In fact, the Bible has quite a bit to say about the subject. In Luke 2:52, we're told that Jesus, "increased in favor with God and man." That word favor is a Bible word which means "influence." Jesus experienced increase in influence both with God and with those around Him. In the same way, God wants to bring promotion to you in order that you may expand your circle of influence. But you must desire that promotion for the purpose of bringing positive change to the lives of others, not for the purpose of self-elevation. You need to know, however, that all types of influence are not created equal. In fact, there are two ways to exercise influence over others. One way will ultimately destroy your relationships, the other will only make them stronger. What are the two paths you can take to greater influence over others? One utilizes manipulation, intimidation, and deception. The other is gained by trust, service, and genuine concern. The first type may put you ahead in the short run, but eventually will only leave you isolated and spiritually destitute. The Bible speaks of a different brand of influence—a quality of leadership that comes only to those who are willing to live by a higher standard. The Key Characteristic of a Person of Influence What is a key characteristic of a person of influence? They have strong relational skills. In a recent study, over 2,000 successful corporate executives were asked to list the primary contributing factors of their success. The majority of them (95%) attributed their success to strong relational skills. You may have received a wonderful education, but you will be hindered if you do not learn the basic principles of relationship building. That same study revealed that 90% of people who lose their jobs, do so because they can't get along with other people. If you are a source of strife in the workplace, you will not be able to influence positively those whom God has entrusted to you. The Quality of Trustworthiness To exercise positive influence in any area of life, you're going to have to cultivate the quality of "trustworthiness." It's a principle we see repeated over and over in the Bible. For example, listen to the instructions Moses was given in Exodus 18:21: Select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over hundreds, fifties, and tens." (NIV)Trustworthiness was the quality Moses was looking for in those who would govern hundreds, and it's what others are looking for in a leader today. The Art of Self-Disclosure Of course, at the heart of trustworthiness is the word "trust." It is an absolutely essential ingredient in leadership. And if you want to be trusted, you're going to have to become skillful at the art of "self-disclosure." Why? Because you can't trust someone you don't feel you know. Self-disclosure doesn't mean airing all your dirty laundry or saying everything you think. It does mean selectively revealing your heart to another person. Nothing else will build trust as effectively, and trust results in influence. This is vital because we're living in an age in which people find it increasingly difficult to trust. Today, skepticism and cynicism are the hallmarks of our approach to relationships. Cultivating Faithfulness Remember, it is possible to increase your level of positive influence on the people around you—but influence only grows in an atmosphere of trust. And in these cautious, suspicious days in which we live, winning someone's trust is harder than ever. It can be done, however, if you do what the Bible in Psalms 37:3 calls "cultivating faithfulness." That means being known by others as a person of integrity, honesty, and compassion. When you "cultivate faithfulness" in your relationships, your opportunities for positive influence will grow. Develop relationships with those in your realm of influence by developing trust, engaging in self-disclosure, and cultivating faithfulness. When you model these virtues, you will begin to experience people opening themselves to your godly influence. |
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