The Power of Earning InfluenceSample

Of course, the greatest and most obvious example of leadership that God displays in the Bible would be that of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Whether it was leading the disciples while spreading the word of God across the land, teaching others around Him, healing the sick, or helping the helpless, Jesus exemplified leadership in every way that one could fathom. Jesus Christ was a man who not only followed God’s will, but provided others with the opportunity and wisdom to do the same.

When His disciples were fearful or otherwise fell short, Jesus lifted them up. A true leader does not put his team down, rather, a leader is there to carry the burden for his team when the need arises. One of my favorite stories that displays the power of Jesus’s influence on others would be in Matthew when Peter, ignoring his own fear and setbacks, climbs out of the boat to walk on water towards Jesus. Although he is afraid, Jesus comforts and supports Peter, who begins to walk on water. Peter, when he took his eyes off of Jesus, begin to sink, prompting Jesus to save him.

Many people seem to focus on Peter’s wavering faith, but I choose to focus on the idea that, even when Peter did not fully listen to or trust Jesus, Jesus came through for him. He saved him from drowning, and encouraged him while he was outside of the boat. Just as we as Christians should uplift and encourage those around us, Jesus does this in this passage. I believe that any leader on any scale should be ready and willing to do this for each and every member on their team. By helping others, you will earn their influence. By earning the influence of those around you, you will surely become more effective and efficient in nearly every aspect. This can apply to work, but can also apply to being a leader within your own community, circle of friends, and family.

As a leader, do you provide constructive or destructive criticism? In times of stress and unrest, how can you be better at impacting your people in a positive manner?

David Villa is the author of Lead or Be Lunch and founder of iPD, a Christian-based

Marketing, Media and Training company. For more content from David, follow him on Twitter at @ipdmail and on Facebook. To download a free ebook on leadership, click here or on the image below.

To Connect with David Villa, Click Here!

To Subscribe to David’s Podcast, Click Here!