“Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another.” – Napoleon Hill
Making a positive impact and having the ability to influence people is a very powerful life skill to possess. More and more, in the competitive world in which we live, having the confidence to stick your head above the parapet and get noticed is very helpful, not just in a work environment but also on a personal level.
The key is to make the best impact that you can have on other people’s lives and to be conscious that all of your actions bear consequences. Treating people how you would want to be treated is a worthy approach and having respect for others is key.
You can actively seek out ways to make a positive impact and, by generating enthusiasm and energy; you can add value and help influence others to feel better about their own lives. Confidence in yourself and your own abilities will also breed confidence in others. The most successful people in the world have one thing in common and that is a strong focus and self-belief.
There are many ways that you can make a positive impact and influence others and here are three useful tips:
Having a strong sense of purpose will help you to feel more energised and motivated. Without purpose it is easy to lose your way and become demotivated and depressed. Studies have shown that when people have a sense of purpose, they are likely to have a healthier outlook on life and feel more positive. This in turn is a very attractive quality in terms of engaging and influencing others.
It is important to be confident about whatever impact you are attempting to make and understanding exactly what your motivation is for wanting to influence someone else. Being assertive and clear whilst also listening carefully to the needs of others will help you to get your message across more successfully.
Trust is the core characteristic that builds respect and loyalty in relationships, as well as building supportive and safe environments. When trust is in abundance, it is far easier to make a positive impact and influence other people. In essence, trust is a feeling of security, based on the belief that someone is reliable, knowledgeable, strong, principled and honest.
In summary
It is also important to remember that the more you make someone involved and part of the process, the more they will be on your side.
“You don’t have to be a “person of influence” to be influential. In fact, the most influential people in my life are probably not even aware of the things they’ve taught me ” – Scott Adams