The Influence of Influencing...

Yesterday I did some work for uni about leadership, what it was and how to define it.  Clearly, as I'm a blogger now (no, really, I am!), I have been thinking about one of the definitions that stood out to me. 


“… the activity of generating effort and commitment… influencing people of all kinds, generating commitment and motivation, and communicating.”

This came from my big blue MANAGEMENT book that I and 70 odd others were 'given' on the course.  I think it's more likely it came out of the somewhat astronomical figure I've paid for the course, but nay matter.  Anyway, most of the quote passed by my almost-interested-mind without much  of a second thought, but the idea of "influencing people" is something that struck a chord.

A chord that chimed with... "this would make a cracking discussion for a blog."

And here we are.

Influencing people underpins pretty much every relationship an individual has, it certainly stretches to a B2B world as well and it is something over the last year or so I've taken an increasingly bigger interest in.  I was fortunate enough to drag myself out of bed last week for a lecture on Thursday morning (it was cold, raining and early so this was a big thing) for a guest lecture from Mark Bradley (@FanExperienceCo).  He uses his experiences and expertise to influence football clubs to improve the experience of the fan, and thus their relationship.  I found him staggeringly fascinating (easily the most focused I've been all year - the laptop was off!) and his portfolio of clubs he has worked with (Liverpool, Barcelona...) certainly influenced me.  

Amid cries of "what are you doing?!" I stayed behind and had a quick chat with him, show my interest. 

Influence him.

I guess at this stage in my life influencing people is pretty key.  My dad will love that I'm talking about this kind of thing, his never ending spiel about the dreaded employability (Word definitely suggests you've made that up, by the by...) probably includes something about influencing people - no doubt I'll get that knowing and proud of himself look when I get home on Friday.  Joy.

But then again, he is one I seek to influence... to impress... to show that I am actually doing alright in this MSc course, despite my impressive (not really?) Football Manager stats.  My lecturers too - being one of 3 English students on the course, I stand out.  This both puts me at an advantage and a disadvantage.  I need to influence them properly to gain the best support, and best advise as the year draws closer and that bloody world of work knocks on my door.

Hell, everyone is either influenced or influencing.  I wouldn't have even started blogging if it wasn't for my friend CL.  People try so hard to make sure they're influencing in the right way, making sure people see them how they want.  Everyone does.   

It's an interesting thought.  Pretty much everything an individual does has the potential to influence somebody.

I should probably get back to the leadership work and get it done so I shall leave it there.

Finally, something I'm going to look to do in all my blogs is either post a song not many people will have heard, or a picture of something incredible or whatever.