Growing Influence

by Ron Price

All this time, she had been aspiring to reach a position. She’d struggled her entire career to reach the next and better title, the bigger paycheck, more responsibilities, inclusion with the executive team. But when defining influence in her organization, clearly expertise and character were what mattered.

“My values help me be more disciplined and accountable. They’ve caused me to ask for other people’s help, even though it doesn’t come naturally, because I’ve defined seeking help as a value. My values remind me of who I want to be, not just who I am.”

Values by which I govern myself

Peace: Speak and act in a way that brings balance and calm to my home and work; avoid unnecessary or petty disagreements. Be kind. Love people well. Courage: Do things that scare me; stand up for others who lack power or voice. Do the right thing even when it’s the hard thing. Curiosity: Ask questions. Speak up when something doesn’t make sense. Be a continual learner through reading, listening, and studying. Determination: When the goal is worthy, give it everything and then some. Contribution: Volunteer at least once a month and contribute financially to a cause that is meaningful to me. At home, be an equal partner in parenting and household duties. Values by which I relate to others Present: Be mindful of the person I’m with or activity I’m doing. Be others-focused by listening, reflecting, and asking questions. Loyal: Be there for the people I care about, especially in the low points; don’t talk about others behind their backs—only say things I’d say with them in the room. Empathy: Recognize my limited perspective, and treat all people like they matter. Engage Henry in conversations about what makes people different and special. Collaborative: Roll up my sleeves and jump in when needed, whether in mindshare or doing the work. In parenting, be a team member; in life, include Jason in important decisions. Persuasive: Influence others through my words and actions. Lead with logic and follow with emotion.

You become who you are and build your character, and people will respond to it. When you live your values, you’ll naturally attract people who have similar values, and they’ll follow you. And it’s all the more important that you maintain your character—that you never quit striving to become the person you want to be.”

One of my values is resilience,

“The first way to define integrity in expert leadership is, does my expertise actually create real value for others? Does it improve someone’s life, solve a problem, or help them advance in some way? Because it’s not really leadership expertise if it’s not creating something for others.”

Maintaining integrity in expertise means staying current. The world is changing too fast to depend on yesterday’s knowledge.”

integrity in expertise begins by creating value for someone