Influence is a powerful, palpable presence that can move mountains, the hearts, and minds of others. This kind of influence creates an arresting form of presence because it is confident, clear, engaging, and very human. It resonates with a powerful level of openness, confidence, and trust. It doesn't have to use force, deception or manipulation, because it comes from confident authenticity.
The desire for and pursuit to control the world around us both professionally and personally are at the top of most people's objectives and efforts. And yet we frequently struggle with misaligned and misunderstood forms of power in an attempt to garner this influence. The power of influence is very different from positional or authoritative power and creates very different scenarios and outcomes when it is engaged. At its core, it's first about being before doing, which is about authenticity-guided by a set of principles versus rules or strategies. In this space, you develop a presence-clarity, confidence, and courage-that allows you to engage in a profound and intentional way that shifts the dynamics in your personal and professional life.