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ASTD
MPI

The 7 Ways Leaders Influence People

by Dick Biggs

Leadership is about influence, which can be positive or negative.� Here are seven ways leaders influence people:

Negative Influence

Coercion: This is the "gun to your face" style of the tyrant.� While this forceful method can achieve short-term results, it produces a long-term drop in employee morale and high turnover.

Intimidation: "You will do this or your job's on the line" is the trademark of the dictator.� Only weak and insecure people will tolerate this style of influence.� There is no respect for the leader and the people are resentful.

Manipulation: This is the one-sided style of the controller.� The leader wins and everyone else loses.� The net result:

Neutral Influence

Negotiation: "Give and take" is probably the most common form of influence.� In short, it's the "keeping score" approach of the politician.� The good news--it can be reasonable effective when the result is "win-win."� The bad news--it often strains relationships and causes needless stress when the result is "win-lose."

Positive Influence

Persuasion: The orator knows how to stir hearts by appealing to emotions.� This style of influencer is powerful because the leader's wishes get carried out by the employees because they believe it's in their best interests.

Education: The practitioner influences people with logic.� People do what the leader wants because it simply makes sense.� The secret of this style is preparation.

Inspiration: This is the highest form of influence because the leader is a master of both emotional and logical techniques.� The greater the quality of inspiration provided by the leader, the greater the quantity of self-motivation that's displayed by the followers.� The encourager understands that words (eloquence) and ways (example) must be congruent.

What type of influencer are you?� Is there room for improvement?� If so, are you willing to make the necessary changes to become a better influencer?

Known as The A-Line-Ment Specialist, Dick Biggs works with organizations to boost bottom line profits and better the top line--people and their productivity.� A popular keynote speaker and seminar leader, he's the author of Burn Brightly Without Burning Out, and Maximize Your Moments With The Masters--a licensed, comprehensive mentor program.� Based near Atlanta, you can reach Dick at 770-886-3035, [email protected]� or check out his website at: http://biggspeaks.com�� (no www).

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