GREAT LEADERS DON’T ABUSE THEIR INFLUENCE

I have had the privilege to lead in many different leadership positions in various types of organizations. I have lead in government, church, colleges, non-profits, sports teams and the Army. In each of these arenas I was able to achieve great success, because I learned not to abuse my influence.

Great leaders understand that leadership is about influencing those that they lead in a positive way and direction. Your team looks to you for guidance, instructions and direction, you are a symbol.

As a leader if you are not careful you can abuse your influence, and manipulate those you follow. I see this all the time, this can even happen in relationships between two individuals. Often I see it in churches, where the leader will use their influence to accomplish personal goals, this is abuse.

So, how do you check yourself to ensure you are not abusing your influence over those you lead? Here is a quick check list to ask yourself:

          1. Is what I am asking them to do, benefiting the team

          2. Have I considered their goals as well

          3. Will asking this individual create a hardship for them

There are times when we require our teams to come out the comfort zone and push beyond the normal; I’m not talking about these times. Influence abuse occurs when we as leaders become more concerned with our own goals and lose sight of the overall vision.

Don’t become influence abusers; check your motives at all times.

Think Better, Live Better!