Top 3 Tips for Effective Influence as a Conscious Leader

How do you influence? Do you have a persuasive argument and a gift of the gab? A scintillating personality? Deep pockets? A resourceful and responsive network?

All those work. But not as well as influencing from a deliberate, conscientious, thoughtful, and loving way.

This week as I toured through the Murray Darling Basin on a leadership program I had organised, I met many leaders in various positions of authority. Some good. Others better. This is what stood out for me.

Effective Tip #1 for Influencing as a Conscious Leader: Know thyself.
To know when your hair stands up, when your heart is squeezed, when the boredom blanket is pulled over your eyelids, when your smile dial get turned up high, when the issue taunts you like a bone to a hungry dog - this is to know what pushes your buttons, and what soothes the soul.

Knowing your trigger spots can help you rise above reacting, and allow you to respond instead. Otherwise people see the whirling dervish of your escalating emotions - not your message cocooned inside.

Effective Tip #2 for Influencing as a Conscious Leader: Be hardline on content, softline on process.
Gandhi had a softly, softly approach - one of non-violent social change. He was deft in negotiations and influence. But he was a stubborn - unrelenting in his quest for an independent and united India, and religious tolerance and peace.

Likewise with Mother Theresa - the epitome of gentleness, she commanded the respect and ear of the world. She never waivered from her quest of equitable care for the disadvantaged.

And so too the Dalai Lama - he is consistently soft in his approach in negotiations and message - peaceful, loving forgiveness, compassion - these are his ever-present catch-crys and guidelines. And they are also solid and unmoveable.

Soft on bringing people along, soft on convincing others - never coercing - and yet always hardline on values and vision - never breaking or compromising what really counts. That is the hallmark of a truly effective, and conscious, global leader.

Effective Tip #3 for Influencing as a Conscious Leader: Lead with love.
There is nothing more influential than being in the presence of someone who has deep-seated passion and love for their purpose, place, or people. This can galvanise hearts worldwide. It is the language that calls us all back home - back to who we really are - creatures of love and light.

What are your tips for being more influential? Please share by leaving a comment.

Thanks!

Zoe