“The greatest ability in business is to get along with others and influence their actions.”
John Hancock
Leadership, at its core, is relational. It’s not about pushing your agenda; it’s about creating alignment, trust, and value.
Stephen Covey’s “Think Win-Win” and “Synergize” principles come to mind. These ideas focus on seeking outcomes that benefit everyone involved and working together to achieve results more significant than anyone could accomplish alone. That’s the magic of true influence: it builds value—not just for yourself but everyone in the equation.
Influence isn’t about manipulation or control. It’s about creating an environment where others are inspired to engage, contribute, and grow. When you focus on adding value to others, you naturally build value for yourself. Influence, then, is a virtuous cycle fueled by service and collaboration.
How are you building value through influence in your leadership? Real influence starts with serving others, not serving yourself.
