“Working with Eric was a pleasure. We developed a good rapport and established a level of honesty and trust. I valued his counsel and recommendations. I find Eric to be very competent in a variety of disciplines. He is able to correctly diagnose organizational problems and suggest solutions that are on point. I found Eric to be a professional with the highest levels of honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior. I would not hesitate to engage his services again in the future.”
Kathy Lueckert,
former Corporate Services Director,
Department of Planning and Development,
City of Seattle
(Kathy is now Director of Planning and Finance for Advocacy and Communications at World Vision.)
“I've worked closely with Eric on developing and presenting the Leadership Eastside community leadership program. He has that rare blend of extensive real-world experience along with a very strong background in theory and research. He moves easily between big picture strategy and the tactical details. Eric brings a superb ability to plan, execute and follow-through, both as a behind-the-scenes planner and as an upfront instructor and facilitator.”
Annalee Luhman,
founding board member,
Leadership Eastside
Conflict and change: The blog
26 February 2009
Prepare to be influenced
Is being an influence leader only about getting other people to do things?
Absolutely not.
The influence leader is a partner with other people. You need to be open and accepting of influence from other people. You must allow yourself to be moved.
Some of the most desperate and isolated folks I’ve encountered in organizations are those who refuse to be moved. They think of themselves like a rock from that Simon and Garfunkel song.
They think that being influenced is a sign of weakness. Actually, it’s quite the opposite. They are actually surrendering their power and will likely find themselves ostracized. This is a losing strategy for the influence leader.
There is a good tactical reason to be influenced: it shows folks that you are interested in a reciprocal relationship. You’re ready to go along—where it makes sense. (Remember that influence is about leading people to something they need or want. It’s not manipulation, blind following or horse-trading.) You are a part of the team, not someone who thinks you have the only answers.
What it comes down to is this: People are more likely to be influenced by people they can influence. In other words, if you show yourself to be “influence-able,” your own influence will increase.
So, look for ways to opportunities to be influenced and let people know. It’ll increase—not decrease—your influence with others.
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