Influence (noun definition) from the dictionary means the art of getting people to do things by appeal, suggestion or admonishment. It means to get people to act according to a set standard based on request or advice rather than threat of force, blackmail or manipulation. So a man of influence is one who can get people to act by advising, appealing or instructing them to do so.

Influence (verb definition) means getting to control people’s actions by directing their decisions to meet a pre-determined end. To influence people means to make them act in a certain way usually as a result of advice, appeal or negotiation.

In real life the opinion of influential people carry a lot of weight because it is widely believed that these men and women have a lot of value to contribute to humanity and hence should not be ignored. Contrast that with a man of great power who can get people to do what he wants but only by threat of force, blackmail or manipulation.

Influence is that quality which naturally inspires people to take certain action they consider important, valuable and justifiable. It is a compelling force which makes it hard for people to refuse hence influence could be described as a pleasant way of forcing people to do things that they consider beneficial and justifiable (even if deep down within they resent doing so). Basically the virtues of respect and trust are the ingredients of influence. For people to be influenced they must respect and trust the one trying to influence them.

What is required to influence people?

Respect is reciprocal and it comes to us only after we have shown and given it to others. Being polite, patient, disciplined, mature and contrite in our dealings with others are some of the ways we can earn their respect. Trust on the other hand deals with reliability. The ability of a person to match what he says with what he does is the major ingredient of trust. People trust men whose words mean a lot to them because they know such men find it difficult to lie or deceive others. Hence being able to win people’s respect and trust will confer on us an ability to influence people.

When people are influenced, they willingly do as they are told or requested to do rather than being forced to act against their wishes.

What makes certain men to be influential over others?

Great Talent

Men and women of great talent can easily influence others with their natural abilities. A good orator who has a talent for persuading people through speech can easily fall into the class of men and women of great influence. Take Adolf Hitler as an example. His leadership skills were not in doubt but what endeared him the most to his followers was his authoritative and seemingly unmistakable speeches. With great talent you can influence people through their thinking.

Character

We often times admire resilience, maturity and honesty in others. People who demonstrate these qualities inspire others who are not brave enough to exhibit such. A person who is generally perceived as having high moral standards is seen as one with good character and naturally enjoys favourable recognition from others.

Leadership qualities

Ability to get things done properly and promptly inspires people with lesser skills. A good leader is a role model to others. His lifestyle will be copied by others who admire his culture and achievements. Hence leadership qualities like bravery, perseverance, intelligence, creativity, loyalty, resourcefulness and so on tend to have a pleasant effect on others especially those looking for role models to emulate.

Attractive or forceful personality

An attractive or forceful personality can also influence people’s actions. A very reserved, deeply thoughtful individual will force people to listen to him whenever he speaks and even affect the behaviour of others whenever he is around them.

Reputation

It is wisely said that a good name is better than choice silver or gold. Very true indeed, people with good reputations are held in high esteem regardless of what their social or economic class may be. A security guard with a good reputation will earn respect and even be more influential than his corrupt and crass boss but only if his reputation is unaffected.

Methods of being influential

1. By appeal, argument or force of rhetoric (Adolf Hitler, persuasive orator)

2. By accomplishment (Aron Nimzovitch, accomplished chess thinker)

3. By authority or leadership influence ( Gordon Brown, Managerial wizardry)

4. Prestige, social and religious influence (Pope Benedict XVI, spiritual leader of the catholic church)

5. Attractive personality (Barack Obama, President of the United States)

Conclusion

The art of influencing people is a skill which is often learned by experience, observation and mentoring or by all of the above methods. Most influential people use their charisma to affect the way people act often times by being persuasive in a most dignifying and self-respecting manner. People who exert influence are usually men and women of great accomplishments and whose works are greatly admired.