The Leadership Spectrum: From Control to Influence

Listen to the recording of this week's '10% Differentiator' Insights below.

By concentrating on control and maximising influence, leaders can amplify their impact, navigate challenges effectively, and elevate their leadership stature.

In leadership, facing challenges beyond one's control is common, often leading to feelings of frustration and helplessness. However, a key to effective leadership is discerning what's within one's control and optimising the ability to influence the rest.

Many leaders grapple with impediments that arise from external factors like the actions of others or broader economic conditions. Focusing on these uncontrollable aspects can diminish productivity. To navigate this, leaders should distinguish between elements they can control and those they can influence.

Control in leadership pertains to the direct changes a leader can make, including personal actions, decisions, and interactions. On the other hand, influence is the indirect impact one can have on situations or behaviours. While leaders might not always have outright control, they can shape outcomes through their influence.

A simple exercise can help leaders differentiate between these realms. By listing out frustrating uncontrollable elements and comparing them to aspects within their control, leaders gain clarity on where their attention should be directed.

Leaders should be wary of expending energy on uncontrollable factors. Instead, focusing on controllable aspects enables decisive actions that can shape their environment and bring about change. For instance, while leaders cannot dictate the economy, they can strategise their response to economic shifts. Similarly, while they can't control every action of their peers, they can determine their responses and management approach.

Beyond direct control, leaders have the power of influence. By actively managing controllable factors, leaders can extend their influence, impacting areas that might initially seem beyond their reach. Thus, by concentrating on control and maximising influence, leaders can amplify their impact, navigate challenges effectively, and elevate their leadership stature.

"I cannot always control what goes on outside. But I can always control what goes on inside." – Wayne Dyer

The 10% Differentiator - OUT NOW!

Imagine someone with all the right skills and knowledge. What's that little extra they need to focus on? It's simple things: building relationships, listening to feedback, really getting to know others, and showing they care. These small actions make a big difference in being a great leader.

These observations inspired my research and became the driving force behind my new book.