INFLUENCE FOR GOOD

We all have influence and yet some of us refuse to exert influence when it's important that we do so.

I have been in conversations with a prospective client who was just wanting to be heard and not sold.

By listening to what exactly was not being said, I offered to help out in their curriculum development of a course that was missing in their program.

I got an instant project.

The theme of my  short seminar for the year, became lo and behold, the theme of the annual graduation ceremony and culminating research convocation.

I'm very happy that it turned out well for them.

There are ways by just speaking out, (not complaining or blaming) for an issue or a concern, will create opportunities for others to speak out or move in that direction.

I was at a meeting one day. The chair of the meeting told us, "You're lucky you have a job. While others are being laid off, you have a paycheque every quarter." I said, "We are lucky that we have good jobs. We are here to ensure that everyone of us have a great working experience every time we come to the office." Heads nodding. 

Another meeting where Christian pastors asked: "What is this diversity project with the municipality all about? I responded that it's for building connections between the East and West side of our community and everything in between. Well, the rumors didn't match the reality. 

Recently I had a conversation with a Board Director for an interview to a Board position at a regional service organization. Mutually, we have arrived at a decision that I should defer my application after a few years when the organization had stabilized in its operation.

I also added that, "The way the current Board is doing all the work of organizational development is untenable. No self-respecting Board Member should carry all the work that the Executive Director should be able to perform." Silence.

You are influential to your family members, friends, and colleagues.

You are influential to your boss, supervisors, and managers.

You are influential to your service providers, your doctors, lawyers, staff, and the whole suppliers that you work with. They want to get your feedback, opinion in ways they can improve.

You are influential to your spheres of community. 

Don't cede your influence to an arbitrary set of ideologies, rules, and dogmas.

Don't be intimidated by the largeness of the room, the initials to the name, or the social media following, or anything exterior or externalized. 

Don't be the silent majority that takes the beating for everyone else and gets all the suffering.

Don't try to please people and be obsequious.

The opportunity to influence for good is always available, matter of fact, ubiquitous. 

Don't you see that I'm trying to influence you?

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