Chapter 30. Influencers.
I hope you will take the time to understand what an influencer is, and will, as you read my story, think about the influencers in your own life. Leadership is a process for all of us, but in many ways, it started way before we realize. Our lives are made up of the people who surround us each day, including our family, extended family, teachers, coaches, friends and community members. All help us become who we are through their influence on us.
Influencers are different than parents, coaches, teachers, and mentors. They are people who somehow just show up in our lives and their influence helps make us better.
What is an influencer?
Influencers change the direction of your thinking or acting in one
setting or over a period of time.
· Different than coaching, their influence may come as you associate and build relationships with people.
· Influencers are examples to us as we observe their lifestyle, particular skills, or talents. They can become role models for our thinking.
· We are attracted to influencers because of the uniqueness in their life. Their way of living, the stories they tell, and the challenges they knowingly or unknowingly present to us help us become who we are.
· Influencers can be people you have never met. They might be authors, lecturers, faith leaders, teachers, coaches, public figures, America’s heroes, musicians, poets, and the list goes on.
When you think about your influencers, take time to acknowledge their unique contributions into your thinking.
Mrs. Reed. “A life without prejudice.”
Mrs. Reed was the school secretary at my first teaching assignment. She was part of the black community where white students were bused into school each day. She became a guiding force in my life without knowing it. She accepted me and wanted the best for me, and taught me to want that for all students.
Aunt Lena. “A life with character.”
I met Aunt Lena as a member of a faith congregation of 50 when I was 26. She was the “Matriarch” of the church, and even if she was not really someone’s blood relation, she became everyone’s grandmother. From her, I learned what real faith in God looked like. She rarely talked about it, but lived it. She lived simply, loved generously, and loved life every day.
Big Ed. “High expectations work.”
Big Ed was a high school principal and my boss for seven years. I watched as students, parents, and faculty sometimes disagreed with him. He knew he could not please everyone, but moved forward with great passion and high expectations for everyone he encountered every day. He trusted his staff, expected their best, and often said “I will defend you every day… until you give me a reason not to.”
Mike. “Dream Big. Get it done.”
Mike was my boss for 17 years. I watched as he dreamt crazy dreams, but noticed that he surrounded himself with people that could make those dreams reality. He trusted people to make things happen, regardless of how big the dream was. At the same time, he would not settle for mediocre work, but he expected excellence.
Len. “Real people.”
I have had several encounters with Len, enough for him to have an influence on my life. He made the Bible something I could communicate to students as he unfolded stories like no one ever had done before with me. He made the average person in the scriptures relatable to me, and, in turn, I learned to study the way he studied.
Tony. “Greatness in young people.”
The occasional teachings and conversations I had with Tony stirred, annoyed, and aggravated my thinking! He showed me how to make students and leaders uncomfortable with their prejudices and life styles. I credit him for instilling a desire to do things the world thought was impossible for junior high and high school students. He influenced my desire to teach others to change the world for good.
Zig. “You can get anything in life…”
I never knew him personally, but Zig Zig;ar’s books, leadership conferences, and his vision for goal setting redirected my life. It began with a three-hour conference and my purpose was defined. “You can get anything out of life if you just help enough people get what they want out of life.” I continue to work out that strategy on a daily basis.
Leadership Reflections
· Can you name some people in your life who are not family members but who have had a major influence in the area of leadership??
· Who are some family members who have been influencers in your leadership efforts?
· What thinking or action did they influence in your life?
· Do they know it?
· Have you acknowledged it or thanked them?