Thought Tweet #909 An interview or performance review question: How do you go about expanding your ability to influence people?

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

The Gallup folks have defined 4 Talent Domains for leadership: Executing, Influencing, Relationship Building, & Strategic Thinking.

When we look at local leaders' Talent Themes we notice a lack of Influencing Talent Themes. A lack of Influencing talent & strength is widespread throughout businesses in our geography.

Understanding that, we need to help leaders improve their ability to Influence others.

A good starting point is understanding whether or not they understand the importance of Influence...and are taking steps to improve in the area of Influencing.

A good next step is providing Influencing-help in the form of specialized knowledge, situations/opportunities, and time to practice skills.

Thought Tweet #905 What do you do that other people won't do? [inspired by The Art of Asking Good Questions]

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

'When the going gets tough, the tough get going.'

'Going the extra mile.'

'It's a dirty job but someone has to do it.'

But...

What is it that you do that other people refuse to do?

What's your exclusive territory?

What are you doing when you are standing alone?

When you 'do it' what does 'it' tell other people about you?

When you 'do it' what does 'it' tell you about yourself?

Attitude has a direct impact on success.

Communication has a direct impact on success.

So, attitude and communication together play a major role when it comes to achieving success.

That said, why is it so many people place so little emphasis on improving their attitudes or their communication?

Are people oblivious to the need for change?

Are people too lazy to change?

Do they feel too busy to change?

Do people not believe they can change?

Do people feel doomed to repeat the same errors?

Do people think it's others, not themselves, who must change?

Do people not know how to change?

Do people derive some sort of pleasure or comfort from the status quo?

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"For time and the world do not stand still. Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future."

John F. Kennedy