The Powerful Purpose of Introverts 预览

Day Four 

What True Influence Means

Scriptures: Matthew 20:24-28

When I connect with introverts, they often express a desire to make a difference in the world. Yet they sometimes struggle with wondering if they need to change in order to do so—especially in leadership positions. But a surprising ten-year leadership study revealed that introvert CEOs are “slightly more likely to surpass the expectations of their boards and investors.” 

Also, because of social media and other shifts, influence isn’t about position, it’s about personal relationships. It’s not about visibility but adding value. Think of the most influential people in your life, likely a parent, teacher, coach, or mentor. The most influential people in our lives aren’t those who are the most successful; they’re the people who intentionally help make us more successful. 

Introverts are brilliant at leading from behind, supporting others, quietly advancing a cause, and doing the small, sometimes invisible things that actually make a big difference. 

As Pastor Brandon Cox says, “Be you. Be the leader God carefully crafted from the womb. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Intentionally grow in areas you find challenging as a leader. But reject the pressure to conform to a certain image of what a good leader must look like.” His leadership theory now? The “absolute, very best personality type to possess” is yours.

Brandon follows Jesus, a leader who focused most of his time on twelve people, traveled less than two hundred miles from his birthplace, lived to thirty-three (and spent thirty of those years in obscurity), and died as a rebel on a cross in the name of love. Yet after he came, nothing was ever the same.

We still need men and women who choose a different kind of influence. Who refuse to shine the spotlight on themselves and instead turn it toward others. Our fame-loving culture needs people brave enough to walk off the stage to talk with one person in the crowd. Companies and communities need leaders who are not glory chasers but gracious servants of others.

So, let’s kiss our babies or close the big sale. Get on a plane or walk to the local park. Clear our throats and say what we’re afraid to or offer the gift of silence to a world in desperate need of it. Raise our hands to volunteer or say the brave no our souls long to hear. Make wedding cakes or millions of dollars for a good cause. Go with a friend to chemotherapy or be the keynote speaker at a conference.

But let’s never believe our quiet nature disqualifies us from changing the world. We may find it’s the very thing that empowers us to do so.

Who is one of the most influential people in your life? What did they teach you about true influence?