Comments on: A recruiting “gift” for future leaders – any ideas?

By: Lauren Clemmer

Lauren Clemmer — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:54:15 +0000

I just received an email from The Rainmaker Review and the topic is hot to increase you influence quotient. Nacy Fox who is a Business Development Specialist suggest there are 6 main attributes and qualities all influencers possess.

Not all influential beings are great leaders or innovators. If you don’t believe me, consider the methods of little kids and dogs. They are often the most influential beings I know. They never, ever, ever give up when it comes to getting what they want, but we often do.

So here are the 6 main attributes and qualities I believe are present within all influencers:

1. Influencers are enthusiastic, even passionate – about what they are recommending. Passion and enthusiasm are contagious.

2. Influencers believe totally in the value they bring to others.

3. Influencers present their ideas in such a way that others see these ideas and suggestions as an OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM.

4. Influencers present with confidence in their communications. This is not to be confused with arrogance or boastfulness. Confidence is incredibly appealing.

5. Influencers are not concerned about having their suggestions or ideas rejected. They maintain enthusiasm and confidence even when others disagree with them.

6. Influencers don’t get caught up in the importance of gaining recognition for the idea or suggestion. They focus on accomplishing the the objective. It is by letting go of gaining credit that influencers actually receive it.

When clients or colleagues start to reject an idea or suggestion, do you try to convince them in order to be more influential?

Try a little enthusiasm, passion, mix in a little opportunity for them, stir with confidence, bake at 350 degrees for a couple of months and watch your influence rise.

Check out her website @ http://www.bizdevsuccess.com

By: Lauren Clemmer

Lauren Clemmer — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:35:57 +0000

Excellent suggestions. Thanks

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:17:52 +0000

Thanks Carol. Those look like great ideas. I too like practical books, especially ones with enough value that they end up very dogeared over the years.

By: Carol Bennis

Carol Bennis — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:31:13 +0000

I’ve always been a big fan of practical guides that can be used as an ongoing reference. My “go to” gifts for college graduations have always been Smart Moves: 140 Checklists To Bring Out The Best From You And And Your Team, by Sam Deep and Lyle Sussman and LETITIA BALDRIDGE’S COMPLETE GUIDE TO EXECUTIVE MANNERS by Sandi Gelles-Cole. This is the stuff you normally have to learn on the streets…and usually in a hit or miss fashion. I like these because they provide practical answers and guidance RIGHT NOW.

Most recently I’ve used and recommended – Smart Moves For People In Charge: 130 Checklists To Help You Be A Better Leader by Sam Deep and Lyle Sussman and On the High Wire: How to Survive Being Promoted by Robert W. Gunn and Betsy Raskin Gullickson. I worked with Bob when I was with A.T. Kearney. He died in April. He was a brilliant manager and one I have tried to emulate for most of my career.