To exert a measure of

control over how others think and act can be a powerful feeling. Just ask any

popular politician, pastor or even teacher and they can tell you. That kind of

power, if channelled properly and positively, can be a source of growth and

change that can mobilise communities and individuals and bring out the best in

people. That is what people of influence can produce.

Role models

In this era of social

media, many people are popular, unfortunately, sometimes for all the wrong

reasons. People who do a tonne of cosmetic surgeries, date athletes and

artistes, make sex tapes and wear next to nothing have become role models for

too many of our young people who aspire to be like them. In their estimation,

even if the attention is negative; even if the person is more infamous than famous,

the fact that they are trending, means that people are interested in their lives.

In a society where values are no longer valued; where doing the right thing

makes you weird or an outcast, this cannot continue if mankind is to not only

survive but evolve.

Influence should ideally

inspire us to do better and be better. Make us share, care and be better human

beings. Some people are such influential beings. Do you consider yourself one

of them? Can you capture people’s attention and hold it when you speak to

others and inspire them with your pearls of wisdom? There are ways to test just

how influential you are as a designated leader or as someone catapulted to a

position of power. See if you make the mustard or if you need to go back to the

drawing board and step up your game.

Talk the talk

1.  You do not always say much, but when you

talk, people stop to listen.

2.   People come to you for unsolicited advice

and recommendations.

3. You walk the walk and

live the life you talk about.

4. You are not in competition

with others and genuinely cheer for people who are successful.

5. Even if you disagree,

you will support someone else on their journey.

6. You are consistent.

7. Your expertise in your

field cannot be denied and therefore people learn when you share your educated

opinion.

8. You are reliable and

keep your promise once given.

9. You tend to surround yourself with others who are like-minded in both business and their personal lives.

10. Your private life is just that: private, and therefore cannot be subjected to gossip and rumour mills.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of BUZZ or its employees.