MAXWELL ON INFLUENCE (1)
One of my favourite and respected authors is John C. Maxwell. In his book – The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, he wrote on ‘the law of influence’ (chapter 2). What actually makes people become men and women of influence? I will be expounding on two out of the factors in this first part of the series.
#1 WHO THEY ARE
The first thing that stands out about people of influence is the depth of their character. This is about the inner life of the person that radiates for all to see. In a world where integrity and uprightness, sincerity of purpose and genuine love for people are scarce, what draws more and more people to you are these virtues. Wealth or position may make people flock around you, but the moment those things are not there, the influence is gone. To command real influence, with or without position and wealth, it takes the strength of character. It is not too late to begin to build good and commendable virtues if you are ever going to be a person of influence “But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word
of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” II Corinthians 4:2
#2 WHAT THEY KNOW
We are currently living in a knowledge-driven generation where people want to follow those who know more than they do. You might have observed that when someone who appears to be more knowledge-able concerning a particular subject matter talks, other people just keep quiet and listen. When it is confirmed that the speaker is presenting facts, he or she wins the respect of others more easily, and that becomes influence. This will not just happen if you are not ready to invest quality time in yourself through learning and capacity building. “Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” I Tim 3:6. Forget about becoming a person of influence if you are still a novice or you are contented with being without depth or knowledge, mastert and experience in your calling or chosen field.