Examples\' Influence a Specific Situation Impact Oneself Involved Relating Influence Perception Leadership

Leadership

Having influence on a situation can often mean that the person is willing to let other people take the credit. Being humble enough to allow other members of a team to shine is a leadership trait that is difficult for some to cultivate, but can lead to superior results in the long run because morale and trust are developed in the group. Let's say a group is entrusted with the responsibility of developing a new software solution to a problem related to accounting. The leader of the group is a software engineer, who writes down some ideas on a dry-erase board during the brainstorming session. Several members of the group are also software engineers, who contribute the coding that eventually results in the most effective solution to the problem. When it comes time to present the solution to the accounting manager, the team leader has the opportunity to name the other software engineers who contributed code. The person did not have to do that; he or she could have taken all the credit as the appointed team leader. But by mentioning the other engineers by name, those people have the opportunity to be recognized as contributors to the organization and potentially receive accolades. Many people might be threatened by letting other people shine. Some might assume that they will be outshone, and that the other people will overtake them or steal their jobs if they let them.

However, using one's influence to motivate and inspire other people can have positive results for all involved. It indicates a progressive style of leadership that is not driven by ego or a desire for power, but from a desire to fulfill collective goals in a collaborative and positive working environment. Using this situation as an example, the other engineers on the team might get promoted and would therefore develop a long-lasting relationship with the organization that is fruitful for all parties. Thinking of the common good is not always beneficial, though, as not all organizations have a democratic or flattened organizational culture that promotes cooperation.

Example 2

Sometimes, unpopular ideas need to be voiced. However, many people are intimidated by sharing unpopular or different ideas that might be ridiculed by other members of the group. It takes strong leaders to encourage members of the group to participate and share ideas, even when they are afraid to do so. One's influence as a leader can promote the diversity of ideas, by encouraging all members of a team to share personal experience and opinions. One's influence can also eliminate problems like stereotyping and prejudice.