Why leaders must be able to influence

I first of all want to start the column off by saying “thank you” to all the parents, young people, staff and sponsors for supporting another successful camp this summer.

It is always great to come home and see the love and support from your country.  

I am back in Baltimore now working on workshops for the Baltimore Public City Schools, Baltimore Blast team and the Power of One projects I am doing with Professional athletes, parents and students. 

This week I want to talk about being a leader and giving you a little bit of what I have been learning and sharing in my Power Of One speeches. To lead is not about one’s position but one’s influence. If you could influence someone then you could lead. 

Too many leaders get caught up and stuck on their positional leadership, which they feel because they are the captain, boss, politician or the one at the top of any organization.

These types of positional leaders will only gain respect and trust in their team if they are able to build a relationship with them, show them results and are productive. 

If you are not able to engage with your team or staff outside your title, then you will find that there will be a lack of learning and growing in your team and organization, which will lead your team members to seek leadership elsewhere. 

It is important that everyone who is a part of any team and organization understands that they could lead despite them not being the captain or boss.

Each person has a role and must find their own ways to influence the group. Note, though, that they will only feel like they are able to do this if the leader or boss in charge gives them the voice and makes them feel a part of the team. 

If you are a positional leader and have been stuck on people following you because of your title and not from your results, respect or production then I can only warn you that your team will eventually move on and you will struggle to get them to produce for the team or organization. 

This goes for many parents as well. If you feel  your child has to follow you because you are the parent, think again.

Our young people are in a critical thinking time and if you are not able to give them positive influence, build a relationship with them or show them results, then they will move on and seek guidance in other places which could be positive or negative. 

Until next time! n

David Bascome is the coach of Baltimore Blast and founder of the Hope4Life Foundation and the Bermuda100 initiative, which aims to support schools, and recruit and train leaders in our community to address youth development challenges.