3 Commitments Every Influential Leader Needs to Make [Infographic]

Influence: the action that results in causing change in someone without using force or coercion. 

An influential leader is someone who has a positive impact on the people and the organization which he or she serves and does so consistently over a long period of time. These leaders are not super-human, but they are different. What makes them influential leaders is first who they are and second what they do.

Regardless of our position, we all can be leaders that have a positive influence. Why? Because positive influence does not require a position, only a relationship. Each of us has intrinsic worth and the ability to influence or lead, some on a large scale and others on a small scale. 

The following are the three commitments that we believe leaders need to make in order to be effective and have a positive influence. Put these on your desk or somewhere visible as a constant reminder to lead well. 

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“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

— Philippians 3:12-14

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

— Proverbs 15:1

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

— Philippians 4:8

Jay Desko is the CEO of The Center Consulting Group and brings experience in the areas of organizational assessment, leadership coaching, decision-making, and strategic questioning. Jay’s degrees include an M.Ed. in Instructional Systems Design from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from The Union Institute.