Influence can’t be achieved through intimidation or coercion. It comes from within, a person’s ability to inspire and motivate those around them.
Becoming an influential leader has nothing to do with titles, confidence and trust of those around you. It’s about how you engage with others and how your vision rallies people to you.
It may seem hard to nail down what exactly allows a person to hold sway over others, but there are certain traits that are unique to these natural leaders.
Do you have what it takes to inspire and influence others? Check out these 7 traits to see if you have what sets influential people apart from the rest:
1. They aim to help others succeed
Oftentimes, we think influential individuals are the people we gravitate to, but it’s actually the opposite. Truly influential people train, empower, and create businesses and organizations that can operate and run without them—they put others in an opportunity to succeed, and help gravitate energy out instead of toward themselves.
2. They are charismatic
The most influential people have mastered the art of charisma. They light up the room and automatically command respect from people the moment they walk in. One thing that sets them apart is their tendency to not follow the conventional norms, which can be seen in their body language, tonality and presence.
3. They are world-class communicators
While styles and methods may differ, those able to master the arts of mass communication and personal persuasion are the most influential individuals in society. The more effectively you can drive your messaging, the more successful you will be in influencing others.
4. They are boldly confident
The people I admire most are the ones who take bold steps in achieving what the vast majority of the world thinks is unattainable. Nobody believed Elon Musk could start a car company as a viable option in reducing carbon emissions in our environment, but he was able to succeed in spite of all the competition in the auto industry because of his unwavering confidence in himself.
5. They positively contribute to the world
The most influential people I know have done something that truly contributes to the world and solves a very specific problem. They have added undeniable value through their work and contributions.
6. They are humble
I find influential people to be very aware of those who helped them become who they are. They’re quick to offer praise and credit to those who came before them. They know they wouldn’t be where they are without the help of others.
7. They take action
Influential leaders aren’t afraid of taking risks or making decisions. They don’t allow themselves to become stuck or paralyzed by an unforeseen situation. They take action, move forward and find a way around roadblocks. They think before they speak, but they don’t hesitate to jump in when necessary.
