2nd Level Influence
Had a great conversation the other day about “what really is influence?” Ultimately, what is TRUE Influence?
Many folks talk about influence and feel like they have influence because they have followers. Which in essence is true. If people read your blog, listen to you speak, follow you on Twitter, friend you on Facebook, and buy your book, then in essence you are influencing them.
But true influence is about more than just someone listening or reading. It’s about action. And it’s about change. If I simply buy your book and read a few chapters, but don’t put anything into action, are you really influencing me? If I listen to you speak, but make no changes in my life or the way I lead, are you really influencing me? If I follow you on Twitter, but it doesn’t change anything for me, are you really influencing me?
True leadership, in my opinion, has to include action. 2nd Level Influence. That notion that I am making a change, am taking action, am putting something into practice, and I will be different because of what you’ve said to me or what I’ve read from you. Plus the idea that your influence has exponential impact- through my networks, through all of their networks, and so on. Passed on much farther and wider than just to me. That’s true leadership.
Seth Godin has 2nd Level influence with me.
Andy Stanley has 2nd Level influence with me.
Scott Harrison from charity: water has 2nd Level influence with me.
Jeff Shinabarger has 2nd Level influence with me.
Michael Hyatt has 2nd Level influence with me.
Craig Groeschel has 2nd Level influence with me.
Christine Caine has 2nd Level influence with me.
Louie Giglio has 2nd Level influence with me.
There are lots of examples of people who I listen to, but they don’t truly influence me. Katie Couric, all Sportscenter anchors, Charles Barkley, most politicians, many pastors, and numerous other “voices” in our culture. There’s lots of noise being created, but not alot of action or change. It doesn’t mean any of these folks don’t have influence, they just aren’t influencing me at a 2nd level.
The question is how can you make sure you are a “2nd Level” Influencer with those around you?
The fact is that if you read my book but don’t put the points into practice, I may have influenced you. My position may have helped you confirm your present position. Additionally, sometimes influence is not immediately visible as the person may think about the point of view for some time. I agree that true influence leads to action but if that action leads you to double down on your own convictions then there was INFLUENCE and ACTION.
Great post Brad, I am currently reading Leading From The Second Chair. Much of the action that happens within an organization comes from the second level leaders. It is a great read, for anyone who is not a top level leader, and if you are you need to read it to, because there are some tips just for you in the book too. I love being a second level leader, I feel we can learn so much more from our failures in a second level position then face the outcomes in the top level. Learn what you can, make things happen, brush off failure, and be a leader!
Great post- thanks for the reminder that leaders should be aiming for something higher than “level 1″ influence. Blessings on your day!