Mahatma Gandhi came onto the world scene as an Indian lawyer. By the sheer force of will and the ability to influence millions of people, he was able to overcome the power of the British military without the use to violence. He set an example for Dr. Martin Luther King in the U.S. and similar non-violent movements around the world.
In modern business, to lead is to serve customers, solve problems, and manage projects. But there is much more to leadership. Leaders must lead people. Many habits and skills, such as using social intelligence, are relevant here.
A strong leader moves people forward, persuades others to accept recommendations, cooperate, or change their behavior. That is the measure of influence, culminating, through negotiation and other means, in finding mutually acceptable solutions.
Talking with your coach. Most successful organizations emphasize the importance of measuring outcomes. When that discipline is applied to leadership, it can be useful to determine once a day, or as events unfold throughout the day, whether or not you have been influential. You can measure your success by asking: Did you persuade others to accept at least one idea that you advanced? Yes or No? Making the journal entry will stimulate your awareness of situations that require persuasion. Your coach will ask questions, not expecting an answer, but rather to make you aware of cues and reinforcers that help determine your ability to be influential.
