Yes it’s true.  We are all created to influence and the truth is all of us are able to influence those around us for good or for bad.

Stop for a moment and consider who and how you influence

•          your family (spouse, children)

•          your associates in your professional association, or Rotary, BNI, or similar

•          your buddies down at the local “watering hole”, RSL or country club

•          the people in your church

•          your customers

Do you create a lasting impression (influence)?  Is it good or bad?

Do they mutter under their breath when they see you coming because of ethical or moral inconsistencies or questionable business practices and the “black cloud of negativity and depression” that seems to follow you

Or

Do they see you as someone that is a bright “star” in their day or week and always feel better, lighter, and happier for having come in contact with you?

I know this is an oversimplification….but you get the idea?

We all know people that fall into one camp or the other.

And I’m guessing that it is not your preference to hang around people that have “bad influence”.

Yeah but Paul, you just don’t know how narcissistic and bullying my boss is?

You’re right I don’t.

Yet one thing I know you can choose to stay or go.  You do not need to put up with that sort of behaviour from a boss or colleagues.  Sure try and address it……and failing that believe in yourself and go and get yourself another job or get rid of that business partner that is pulling you down or worse still “ripping off the business”.

Key principle:

“Unfortunately when the way things look is what matters, the way things truly are will not be addressed…”    William Ford III

If you look closely you can always pick signs of a culture or environment in which “influence” is sought or exercised with the wrong motives….you know the deal….the “celebrities” (or wanna-be celebrities), for example:

Source:  adapted from “Created for Influence” by William Ford III, 2007, p 45-47

Hmmm?  Do you know anyone like that? 

Maybe the person you see when you look in the mirror?

What are you going to do about it?

You see I believe that you (& me) make choices every minute of every day that contribute to the type of influence that we will have in our lifetime and (without being presumptuous) into future generations.

Some call this a “legacy”. 

So as you begin 2010 will you choose to create a positive, negative or no “legacy”?

It is my hope that you will join with me in creating a positive legacy within your sphere of influence. 

Because you and me – we can make a difference - and have some fun at the same time!

To Your Ongoing Success,

Paul Wright

PS:  If you are challenged by these thoughts I encourage you to invest in a copy of the book “Created for Influence” by William Ford III as it will help you explore and develop these issues deeper than the treatment I can give them in this article.

PPS: for those of you who may be thinking this seems a little too abstract.  Let me remind you that what you sow you reap and it is in this context that using our influence in the right way is not only a good thing to do – it is just good “business sense” and therefore good for the bottom line!