Teaching, Selling and Leading

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.”

–     John C. Maxwell

Influence.  It’s a pretty powerful thing, ain’t it?  And, it’s available from many unexpected sources — and it’s in each of us, if we’ll only find a way to let it out.  Leaders teach, sell, and influence — interchangeably and also simultaneously — setting an example for people up, down and across their spheres of…well, of influence.

Recently, a member of one of my teams really set an example for many of his more experienced teammates, and, candidly for those of us with responsibility for leading those teams.

Following is an excerpt from a note my friend and partner, Marty Sunde, who’s President of BancVue, Ltd. wrote that young associate.

“One of the most important qualities key leaders refine is the ability to favorably influence people. Leaders have followers. Followers align with leaders because of their actions AND BECAUSE OF THEIR WORDS. Their words are sincere, inspiring, they call people to action, and the actions improve the world around them. 

Leaders are ‘selling’ all the time, but they don’t necessarily call it that. They call it inspiring, persuading, or influencing to name a few. The reason they don’t call it selling it because (too many) people associate selling with a lack of integrity or authenticity. In that definition, NO ONE (in our company) ever “sells.” But our best leaders (I don’t mean just people leaders) regularly persuade, inspire, and influence. 

Congratulations on the inspiration and persuasion you delivered !!!! Keep it up. It will make your career more rewarding and enriching.”

Think THAT made a difference for a young professional?  I hope it made one for you today, too.