The Influential Leader

"A leader is best when people barely know he exists,
When his work is done, his aim fulfilled,
They will say: We did it ourselves."

Lao-Tzu

The most lasting and sustainable type of leadership comes from a position of influence. The Free Dictionary by Farlex defines influences as "A power affecting a person, thing or course of events, especially one that operates without any direction or apparent effort."

You aren't the leader because you're the President, CEO, Captain of the team. You may hold the title because you inherited it or one day you were promoted into it. You are the true leader because you have earned it and people will follow you no matter what challenges or obstacles may crop up.

The influential leaders is the one, that from their very core, believes and acts as if it more important to take the right course of action and always make the "politically correct" choice. This leader puts their own self interest and position aside because they are aware of their teams talents, strengths and interests. They give their team the power to make decision and mistakes, to take the risks and experience success and failure. Always accountable, this leader will take the blame, but not the credit.

As an influential leaders, being willing to walk the talk, do the right thing, listen to our heart and the hearts of the team leads to extraordinary results. To know that lifting people up is more important than tearing them down. That with courage, conviction and belief in others we can step aside and let the best do their best.

When lead by influence, rather than control, the company or team will make the profits, hit the targets, win the games and create new paths. Everyone gains as talents and assets are optimized. And, in the end, enjoys the moments when the team says, "We did it ourselves."