The Key of Power

"He who controls others may be powerful,
but he who has mastered himself is mightier still."
Lao Tzu

Power has many definitions. Sociologists define power as "the ability to impose one's will on others, even those who resist in some way." Some dictionary definitions "a measure of an entity's ability to control their environment, including the behavior of other entities" "or the ability to do or act; capability of doing or accomplishing something."

Some ways to find the Key of Power:

• Understand the vision, the mission, the company or the relationship for which we are about to embark upon.
• Decide that we are in agreement and actually want to be part of that objective.
• Identify roles and talents that best support that purpose.
• Communicate our concerns and our contributions.
• Listen and receive feedback assertively.
• Walk away when someone attempts to take total control of our power.

Power comes from within. We all decide how much we are affected by outside influences. The key of power will open any door if and when we fully appreciate what we own and what we allow to affect us and the results adversely.

Go within to find the Key of Power.

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."

Tapping into the Center of Influence Method

As I mentioned in an earlier blog, we are all in some form of marketing or sales, regardless of the situation. That being the case, I would like to suggest a powerful method that can help advance your business, your career, your life and your relationships. That method is called Center of Influence.

According to American Management Association (AMA)'s website, www.marketingpower.com, a center of influence method is defined as:

A prospecting method used by salespeople in which the salesperson
cultivates well-known, influential people who are
willing to provide sales leads.

Let's take this to the next level and use this method to cultivate relationships with well-known influencial people that are willing to provide leads that will connect us with success in any aspect of work and life.

For example, you stay in touch with one of your well-known, popular college professors. You take her to coffee or lunch to "pick her brain" about certain opportunities and ideas. You attend functions and lectures where she is featured. A rapport is being established and she is soon offering to introduce you another of her colleagues or executives that she knows would also be interested in sharing their expertise with you. She opens the door to an person or opportunity that can help you gain personally and professionally.

Here are advantages of tapping into the Center of Influence (COI) Method:

• Saves time
• Expands our network and our networth
• Gives us additional support
• Shows how to "pay it forward"

What are some other advantages that you can see from the Center of Influence (COI) Method?

Next question - Who can you identify as a potential Center of Influence (COI)?

Start making a list of potential Centers of Influence today.