Leadership is about more than just telling others what to do. It’s about inspiring, motivating, and guiding your team to accomplish great things. As a leader, your ability to influence those around you can be the difference between a motivated, productive team and one that simply goes through the motions.
But what does it really mean to "lead with influence," and how can you effectively harness this power to drive better results?
Let me dive into the concept of leading with influence, explore different leadership styles, and uncover practical strategies that can help you build trust, foster engagement, and ultimately elevate your team’s performance. Additionally, I will show you how transformational leadership can guide you to not only meet goals but exceed them.
So, if you're ready to step into your role as a more influential leader and inspire real change, let’s get started!
What is Leading with Influence?
At its core, leading with influence means guiding others by inspiring trust, respect, and a shared vision. It’s about motivating your team to go above and beyond by tapping into their intrinsic desires and fostering an environment that encourages growth, collaboration, and innovation.
And unlike traditional leadership, which may rely heavily on authority and control, transformational leadership focuses on making a deep, lasting impact on both the people you lead and the organization as a whole. Transformational leaders also focus on developing their team members’ skills, boosting their confidence, and challenging them to reach their full potential.
Leading with Influence = Increased Employee Engagement and Productivity
Increased Collaboration – Teams that feel empowered and trusted work more effectively together.
Higher Employee Satisfaction – Engaged employees are happier and more invested in their work.
Improved Performance – Motivated employees are more productive, delivering better results.
Stronger Retention – Employees who feel valued and supported are less likely to leave the organization.
Different Leadership Styles and Their Influence on Teams
Leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Every leader has their own unique vibe, strengths, and approach—and those differences can really shape how a team functions. The way you lead can bring out the best in your team, or sometimes, unintentionally hold them back.
Authoritative Leadership
This style is all about calling the shots. Authoritative leaders set a clear direction, make decisions on the fly, and aren’t afraid to take charge without a lot of back-and-forth. It’s great when quick action is needed—think high-pressure situations or when deadlines are looming.
How It Impacts Your Team:
When used wisely, this can bring clarity and momentum. Your team knows exactly what’s expected, and things get done fast. But if you lean on this style too much, it can create frustration. People may actually start to feel like their ideas don’t matter, leading to disengagement or burnout. Striking the right balance is key here.
Democratic Leadership
Now, this is the let’s-get-everyone-involved approach. Democratic leaders encourage collaboration, seek input from their team, and value every voice in the room. Decision-making becomes a team sport—everyone gets to play.
How It Impacts Your Team:
This style is a morale booster. Your team feels heard, valued, and motivated to contribute their best ideas. It also fosters creativity and creates a sense of ownership among employees. And you’re not just building a team here—you’re building a community of problem-solvers who feel invested in the outcomes.
Transformational Leadership
If you’re someone who loves to inspire and uplift, this might be your jam. This style focuses on motivating your team to aim higher and exceed expectations. You lead by example, showing them what passion and hard work look like, while also helping them grow individually.
How It Impacts Your Team:
Transformational leadership builds an environment of trust, innovation, and personal growth. Your team feels empowered, connected to the mission, and excited to go above and beyond too! And it’s not just about getting the job done—it’s about creating a culture where people thrive and feel proud of the work they’re doing.
Laid Back Leadership
This hands-off approach is all about trusting your team to take the reins. Laid back leaders give their employees autonomy to get the job done without micromanaging every detail.
How It Impacts Your Team:
For skilled, self-motivated teams, this can work like a charm. It gives people the freedom to innovate and take ownership of their tasks. But be careful too—if employees don’t feel supported or lack direction, this style can lead to confusion, disengagement, or even dropped balls.
A little guidance and regular feedback go a long way in making this style effective.
Transformational Leadership Qualities: Building Trust, Credibility, and Rapport with Your Team
Let’s be real—great leadership starts with trust. Without it, you can’t build the kind of influence that truly inspires people. Trust is what gets your team on board, keeps them motivated, and helps you tackle challenges together. So, how do you earn and maintain that trust?
Be Transparent
Honesty really is the best policy. When you make decisions, don’t leave your team in the dark—share the “why” behind them. Help your team understand the bigger picture so they know how their work fits into the grand scheme of things. And when your team sees that you’re upfront and genuine, they’ll feel more confident following your lead.
Transparency isn’t just about being honest; it’s about building a foundation of trust that makes your team feel valued.
Communicate Effectively
Communication can make or break a team.
If your team isn’t on the same page, things can fall apart fast. Regular check-ins, clear instructions, and two-way conversations are key. And don’t just talk—listen. Take the time to hear their ideas, concerns, and feedback because communication isn’t a one-way street. When your team feels heard and understood, they’re more likely to trust you and stay engaged.
Lead by Example
If you want your team to show up, work hard, and stay accountable, you have to do the same. Actions speak louder than words, and leading by example is one of the best ways to build credibility. Whether it’s staying calm under pressure, owning up to mistakes, or showing dedication to the team’s goals, your behavior sets the standard.
When your team sees you walking the talk, they’ll respect you more and feel inspired to follow suit.
Empower Your Team
A good leader doesn’t just manage people—they help them grow. So give your team the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed. Whether it’s professional development, mentoring, or simply recognizing their hard work, empowering your team shows that you’re invested in their success.
Remember, when your team feels supported, they’ll trust you more and be motivated to bring their best to the table.
Show Empathy
At the heart of great leadership is empathy. Your team isn’t just a group of employees—they’re whole people with unique needs, challenges, and emotions. Take the time to understand what they’re going through, whether it’s personal struggles or work-related stress. A little empathy goes a long way in building stronger connections and creating a positive work environment.
When your team knows you genuinely care, they’ll feel more comfortable and engaged.
Remember, leadership isn’t just about results—it’s about relationships. Show up for your team, and they’ll show up for you.
Practical Strategies for Leaders to Effectively Influence Others
Influence is not just about being charismatic; it’s about fostering genuine connections and motivating others to achieve greatness.
Set Clear, Inspiring Goals
Give your team something to rally around. Set goals that are ambitious but still achievable, and make sure they align with the team’s and the organization’s values. Also, take the time to explain how these goals connect to the bigger picture—it makes a huge difference.
Offer Opportunities to Learn and Grow
People want to feel like they’re improving and moving forward, so make sure to encourage growth through training, mentoring, or hands-on experience. And when your team members grow, so does your team’s success.
Celebrate Wins and Recognize Effort
Everyone loves to feel appreciated. Whether it’s a big accomplishment or a small win, take the time to acknowledge it. A simple “great job” or a public shout-out can go a long way in keeping motivation high.
Promote Teamwork
Create a space where people feel encouraged to share ideas and collaborate. When everyone contributes their unique perspective, you’ll see more innovative solutions—and your team will feel closer, too.
Build a Positive Culture
Make your workplace one where positivity, respect, and encouragement are the norm. When people feel good about where they work, they’re more engaged and absolutely willing to go the extra mile.
Real-World Examples of Leaders Who Lead with Influence
We’ve all known (or admired) those leaders who spark real change and growth.
Nelson Mandela: Mandela’s quiet determination and ability to unite a divided nation are nothing short of legendary. By choosing forgiveness over retaliation, he inspired generational change and showed the world what true leadership looks like.
Indra Nooyi: As the former CEO of PepsiCo, Nooyi is all about collaboration. Her knack for building trust within her teams helped transform PepsiCo into a more sustainable, health-conscious company.
Howard Schultz: Starbucks’ former CEO took employee-focused leadership to new heights. From offering healthcare to baristas to driving sustainability efforts, Schultz didn’t just serve coffee—he built a culture.
These leaders show us what’s possible when trust, vision, and consistency come together. They remind us that influence isn’t just about authority—it’s about inspiring others to do great things.
Take Action with Jim Knight: Let’s Transform Your Leadership!
With me, you get more than just a keynote speaker—you gain an expert who brings a wealth of experience in transformational leadership, team-building, and culture change.
Get in touch today to see how I can help you inspire change and foster a culture of leadership that will lead your organization to new heights. Impactful Edu-tainment will be served!
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