Understanding Influence
1. What is this "influence" you speak of?
So, you want to know how to use influence? Excellent! But before we dive headfirst, let's clarify what we're actually talking about. Influence isn't about being a dictator, barking orders, or twisting arms until someone agrees with you (although, admittedly, sometimes that does sound tempting when you're dealing with a particularly stubborn toddler). Instead, it's about subtly guiding perceptions, building rapport, and inspiring action through understanding and empathy.
Think of it as being a really good chef. You don't force-feed anyone ingredients they don't like. You carefully select the best produce, prepare it skillfully, and present it in a way that makes people want to eat it. You're not controlling them; you're creating an experience that appeals to their senses and desires.
The keyword here is influence. As a noun, it's the power to affect someone or something. It's a subtle energy, a persuasive current. Thats what were aiming for. As a verb, its the act of wielding that power. We will use "influence" as a noun to talk about its power.
Influence stems from several sources: your expertise, your trustworthiness, your likability, and your ability to connect with others on an emotional level. It's a multifaceted thing, like a perfectly cut diamond, reflecting light from every angle. And just like a diamond, it takes some polishing to really shine.
