Why Influence Is The Currency Of Leadership
You determine your income by how much you invest in learning how to influence others, followed by acting on that knowledge. When your influence goes to the next level, you’ll raise your value to the company and those around you. Influencers receive greater compensation because of what they bring to the table. In 1921, Charles Schwab was one of the first American businessmen to be paid over a million-dollar salary by U.S. Steel owner Andrew Carnegie. What’s interesting is that Schwab didn’t know much at all about steel or manufacturing. However, here is what he said about why he was paid so well: “I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among my people the greatest asset I possess, and the way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement.” Schwab became incredibly wealthy by becoming a great influencer.
Is it all about the money? Of course not. But as Zig Ziglar always said, “Money won’t make you happy, but everybody wants to find out for themselves.” Building wealth opens up the door for more opportunities to provide for yourself, your family, your charities, and to have a greater impact on the world. As you level up your leadership ability, you’ll increase your capacity to make more money. Intentional learners are exceptional earners.
A Columbia University study by Melinda Tamkins showed that success in the workplace is guaranteed not by what or whom you know, but ultimately by your popularity. In her research, Tamkins found that
“Popular workers were seen as trustworthy, motivated, serious, decisive and hardworking and were recommended for fast-track promotion and generous pay increases. Their less-liked colleagues were perceived as arrogant, conniving and manipulative. Pay raises and promotions were ruled out regardless of their academic background or professional qualifications.”
Being popular is not reserved for charismatic personalities or extroverts; it’s reserved for anyone who makes a significant difference through their efforts.
Influence is your ticket to the top. The more you learn the art of how to make a positive impact on other people, the more you’ll advance. The strategies I lay out in this book will give you a game plan for becoming the person of influence you dream of becoming. It’s your choice whether or not to follow them. You can either remain as you are and never advance in life or work, or you can follow them, and they will guide you to new levels of influence, and open up the door for greater influence and income.
Get ready to raise your influence!
* Take from my book 5 Ways To Get A Raise: Greater Influence = Greater Income
