5 Ways to Grow Your Influence as a Leader
by Jeff Cranston
Influence is one of the most powerful traits a leader can possess. But how do you grow and maintain that influence? Based on years of leadership experience and examples of influential figures, there are five practices that can increase your ability to lead effectively.
1. Encourage Others
Leaders who encourage others will naturally attract people to them. People want to follow someone who lifts them up, helps them grow, and makes them feel valued. Take Teddy Roosevelt as an example: his energetic personality and genuine interest in helping others made him a figure that drew people in. Remember, people will gravitate toward you if you encourage them. On the flip side, if you're constantly discouraging others, you’ll drive them away. Leadership that doesn’t uplift is ineffective.
2. Solve Problems
Influential leaders don’t shy away from problems—they face them head-on. Being able to identify a problem, clarify it, and solve it sets leaders apart. It’s about making decisions that resolve the issue at hand, without letting emotions or drama take over. For example, during the 2013 Super Bowl, when the lights went out, the immediate problem wasn’t who was at fault—it was how to get the lights back on. Influential leaders don’t let problems overwhelm them. They focus on finding and implementing the solution.
3. Initiate Productive Change
Change is inevitable, but not all change is good. Leaders who make changes only to improve or reach a more desired future are those that inspire progress. For example, when the church made the bold decision to move its location, the key was communicating the vision and getting buy-in from the team. Productive change involves helping others understand why the change is necessary, giving them time to adjust, and explaining the benefits for the future. It’s not about change for the sake of change—it’s about moving towards something better.
4. Trade Excuses for Results
Influential leaders don’t waste time making excuses. They focus on getting results. Whether it’s a business goal or a personal challenge, the energy put into making excuses could be better spent finding solutions. Take Blake Mycoskie, the founder of Tom’s Shoes. Despite initial skepticism, his vision of combining business with philanthropy led to success. As a leader, you must push for results, not reasons why something can’t be done.
5. Invest in People
True leadership is rooted in caring for and investing in people. A great leader listens to the struggles of those they lead and does something to help ease their burden. Cultivating growth in others—by challenging them, encouraging them, and creating opportunities—will inspire loyalty and commitment. When people feel valued and challenged to grow, they will rise to the occasion.
Influence as a leader is built on practices that encourage others, solve problems, initiate productive change, avoid excuses, and invest in people. If you adopt these principles, you’ll not only grow your influence but also create an environment where others want to follow and grow with you.
Listen to the full talk below!
Pastor Jeff Cranston is the Lead Pastor at Lowcountry Community Church.