The Sphere of Influence
The term “influencer” has gained traction over the last few years. It’s the idea that one person’s thoughts and opinions matter and impact people around them. While we primarily think of influencers in the realm of social media, the truth is that we all have a measure of influence on those around us.
Leaders have influence
The first image that often comes to mind of a leader is someone who has followers. Think back to that influencer. Millions of subscribers, requests to endorse products, the masses clamoring to hear their opinion. The only reason their ideas matter is because they have a large group of people who want them. This surface-level definition of leadership extends to organizations and board rooms across the globe. The leader has followers because of their title or position in the organization.
But leadership isn’t about a title or a position.
Leadership is the ability of an individual or group of individuals to guide followers or members of an organization. It’s the process of social, intellectual and emotional influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, toward the achievement of a goal. Ultimately, leaders help themselves and others do the right thing. Real leadership focuses on empowering a group to work together toward a common goal.
You are a leader
You might not have millions of subscribers on your social media platforms or speaking engagements lined up for the rest of the year, but you have influence. Each of us has the ability to lift someone up or push them down. That makes you a leader.
Moreover, everyone has the opportunity to increase their ability to lead. Leadership is not mysterious, and in the ether; there are tangible qualities and ways to measure success as a leader. Whether you have a team of many or few, you do have an influence on those around you.
Who is in my sphere of influence?
To draw from and expand upon a concept first made popular in the US by Alexander Hamilton, your sphere of influence extends outward in all directions. You are at the center. By having courageous conversations and taking healthy risks, you can exert influence on yourself. Growth occurs as you build your sphere of influence over yourself - the way you think and act.
The most obvious direction of influence extends to those below you on the organization chart. Your subordinates are the people that you directly influence by assigning them tasks and giving feedback. This type of influence largely happens in the moment. But your sphere of influence is not exclusive to employees.
Your sphere of influence also extends laterally, influencing peers and contemporaries. This type of influence happens in the moment most often, but has enough weight to where planned interactions arise. It is generally organic, and it shows up even when you brainstorm ideas and solutions around the conference table.
Individuals with a healthy sphere of influence can expect 60% of their influence to extend laterally to their peers within the organization and to those that are under them.
The other 40% of your sphere of influence requires deliberate planning. In order to influence your superior or those outside your company or industry, you need to have a plan. Consider this. Assume you have an “open door policy.” An employee walks into your office and he demands a raise. Another employee walks in with research, data, and sales reports to support her case for the same request. Which of these has a higher likelihood of getting the raise? Unfortunately, most people make, approximately, 90% or more of their decisions in the moment.
The last direction that your influence extends is outside of your organization or to a greater group of peers- your community and customers. You impact others through service projects, running for the city council, or volunteering in local churches and organizations or just making a good product that helps people and businesses. This is deliberate and with a healthy sphere, a part of the 40%.
Watch out, it’s contagious
You’ve heard the old adage “more things are caught than taught”. This is true whether you are explicitly trying to teach in a classroom, coach a sport, or manage a team. Remember, everyone has a sphere of influence.
This means that attitudes and beliefs can be transferred throughout each sphere.
When a positive mindset is present, this works in your favor, as the growth mindset can “infect” others. But the opposite is also true. Toxicity can also be transferred through spheres. As a leader, it’s important to guard against toxic thinking and nip it in the bud.
Increasing your sphere of influence
Most individuals have 95% of their influence at or below the level of their peers. This is the easiest sphere to influence and doesn’t require any forethought.
But how can you increase your sphere of influence? The key is planning and utilizing the tools of the plan.
It all starts with a framework of knowing who you are, how you lead, and where you are going. We call this framework Business Foundations. Leading well and extending your influence begins with spelling out your mission, vision, core values, and leadership philosophy.
When you, as the leader, have clarity, it translates into a feeling of safety for your team. This allows you and your team the freedom to take risks and be creative. And that is where the magic happens.
Are you ready to build and perfect your mission, vision, core values, and leadership philosophy? Join our Leadership Lab today. You will learn the skills and strategies to increase your sphere of influence.
