Leadership, Authority, and Influence

Millennial:       I want to be a leader in my business but my parents won’t give me the title to lead.

Me:      Do you think a title will make you a leader?

Millennial:       Yes, at least it will give me the authority to make people listen to me.

Me:      Responsibility is taken by anyone who sees things that need to be done and does them. Authority is earned by gaining the respect of employees through hard work and being a positive influence on others.

Millennial:       Are you telling me that leadership has more to do with influence than authority?

Me:      Yes, it’s always been that way. Leaders know what to do next, how to rally people behind them, and what resources need to be brought into focus to accomplish goals.

Millennial:       What do I have to do to gain influence?

Me:      You have earn peoples’ trust and respect, which comes from character and competence. Specifically, get to work before others do and leave after others do, work hard and work smart, add value to the business through creativity and inspiration, be kind and thoughtful, and do the little things that may seem beneath you to do.

Millennial:       But I’m the son of the owner. Why should I have to do those things?

Me:      Because you have to prove to others that you are capable of influencing them as a leader instead of being enabled just because you’re the owner’s son.

Millennial:       But I don’t see how this will give me the authority to lead.

Me:      That’s why you’re not a leader yet. You don’t know what it takes to be a leader even when someone tells you, nor are you willing to listen and do those things that are necessary to become a leader.

Here are a few Business & Life Tips to think about….

Business Tips:

• Leaders are made, not born. Leadership is caught, not taught. Leading is a position of influence and a life-long learning experience.
• Good leaders don’t apologize for leading with strength, but they also understand the power of gaining “buy-in” from their staff.
• People often advance in their work without ever advancing in the way they think. They can’t listen and learn from others.

Life Tips:

• Anyone who thinks he needs a title to have authority deludes himself. You earn authority by winning peoples’ respect.
• Be careful how you use your title, position, wealth, and resources. Don’t let pride, ego, and selfishness get in the way of success.
• Don’t limit your possibilities. Learn and grow every day. Your future is limited only by your imagination and drive.

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