8 Habits of Highly Influential People - American Society of Employers - Mary E. Corrado

8 Habits of Highly Influential People

I am always fascinated to find out if people that are highly successful have similar traits.  Time after time, I find that they do.  I recently read an article on theladders.com that reviewed the eight most common traits of highly influential people.

I think whether you are in a leadership role or strive to be in one, these are all great traits to work on:

1. They think for themselves
Influential people base their opinion on facts.  They are open-minded and listen to other opinions but will only carefully consider them if supported by facts. They won’t change their mind just to go along with the crowd.

2. They are graciously disruptive
Highly influential people are always looking for ways to make improvements.  “Can we try this?  Why not?”  They are not afraid to challenge the status quo, and it always comes from a place of making a positive change – not a change just to make a change.

3. They inspire conversation
Influential people are very good at sparking conversation.  They will often throw out a simple question to get people thinking and inspire conversation.  You might find that sometimes they are the quietest person in the room.

4. They leverage their networks
Influential people often have large networks, and they know how to use them.  If they are working on a certain project that needs an expert in that area, they will leverage that network.  They realize that there is always someone out there who knows more than they do.

5. They welcome disagreement
Influential people are very good at not reacting emotionally and defensively to dissenting opinions – a sign of high emotional intelligence.  They are always willing to hear out differing opinions, especially if someone is more familiar with the topic or has more experience. 

6. They are proactive
Influential people tend to be very keen and up to date on what’s coming in the future.  They pay close attention to evolving technology and factors or changes that might change the way business is conducted.  They are proactive versus reactive.

7. They respond rather than react
As mentioned above, influential people are often also categorized as highly emotionally intelligent.  When challenged, they don’t react immediately and emotionally. They wait and think. After some thought and processing of any emotion, they will then respond.

8. They believe
Influential people are confident in themselves and the people around them.  “It can’t be done” is not in their vocabulary.  They strongly believe that with the right people in place and plan in place that anything can be achieved.

I thought this list was very accurate and also inspiring.  As a leader, I strive to improve on all of these great qualities that are so important to being an influential leader.  Have you noticed other qualities of highly influential people?  Email me at [email protected].

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