Influencing Others

A true leader can influence people to do as they want because they want to do it!

Influencing, whether up or down, takes the ability to present well your ideas, enlist people to support your ideas, and the willingness to open up to incorporate the expertise of those who might offer assistance in the development of your idea. 

Creativity is a funny thing.  Depending on the project you present, there will be nay Sayers, and dismiss it totally.  But that does not mean the idea is not good, viable, or serves a purpose.  It may just be that this idea will have a bigger impact than maybe even you can see. 

"Don't tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results."

Gen. George S. Patton

Take charge.  Self leadership incorporates managing not only yourself but others around you: Manage up, manage down, and remember that the more persuasive with your expertise and accepting of others expertise, the easier it will be to accomplish your goals.  The more you are able to bring out of the people around you, the more successful both you and they will be.

Check out this quick reference: