subject: Influencer = Catalyst: A Critical Organizational Role [print this page] What does it take to influence change? Can this leadership skill be learned?
Gandhi, Martin Luther King, JFK, John Wooden, Ronald Reagan regardless of what you think of their philosophies - besides being truly inspirational leaders, they were also great catalysts of change and truly influenced sustainable change in the world, political systems, and lives.
These great leaders share three key characteristics:
1. A Compelling Point of View
2. Authenticity
3. Catalytic Mindset
Influencers in organizations play critical roles. How do the above characteristics play out in todays highly collaborative and matrix-oriented environments?
1. A Compelling Point of View
Compelling points of view are built on ideas, values, and emotional energy that convince others. Noel Tiche, noted American management consultant, says, The essence of leading is not commanding, but teaching. It is opening peoples eyes and minds. It is teaching them new ways to see the world and pointing them to new goals. It is giving them the motivation and discipline to achieve those goals.
A compelling point of view allows leaders to evoke interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.
2. Authenticity
In most instances, a compelling point of view alone is not enough to influence others. In order to build the relationships and the space to be heard, you must be authentic. Influential leaders are crystal clear on why they exist as a person and as a leader. This authenticity is not related to what they do or how they do it but why they come to work every day. While this sounds incredibly simple, you would be surprised how many people when asked WHY they do the work that they do, actually talk about WHAT they do.
Once you are grounded in your core purpose, the desire to unlock and understand the true motivation of the people around you will naturally flow from youcreating the trust that is needed to effectively influence others.
3. A Catalytic Mindset
The authors of the Influencer: The Power to Change Anything cite influencers as people who instead of continually seeking the wisdom to know the difference - have sought the wisdom to make a difference. To actually DO and not just talk, leaders must acquire the skill to motivate people to ACT differently. The most effective influencers of change know precisely what they are trying to change and focus on the critical behaviors that will yield the highest impact.
In Conclusion
A catalyst of change requires a compelling point of view, authentic motivation, and a mindset of action. The presence of a leader as a catalyst in an organization can have an extraordinary impact on the pace of change, generation of exceptional ideas, real-time learning and tangible bottom line results.
How are you doing on these three critical ingredients of high impact influence? We recommend rating yourself using the table below and then asking your peers, boss, and direct reports to provide you with feedback. Take advantage of your strengths. Shore up your weaknesses. Increase your ability to positively influence those around you.
