Influence & Intentionality

 

True leadership is about influence.  It is not about titles or positions. True leadership is the ability to influence others in a positive way and towards a common goal. It is not magic and usually does not happen naturally.  It requires deliberate and intentional behaviors and practices. 

Influential people move through life with a purpose.  They are constantly aware of how their actions and behaviors influence others.  Great leaders look for ways to intentionally use their influence to help others grow.    

Do you use your influence intentionally?

Life is Hard

When I hear somebody say that life is hard, I am always tempted to ask, "Compared to what?" 

       --Sydney J. Harris

This is a very thought-provoking quote.  Life may be hard.  I don’t think we have any real right to complain about that.  We are not promised otherwise, but it is not always hard.  Actually, most of us are incredibly blessed.  When we think life is too hard what exactly would we like it to be?  I know, there are a lot of easy answers to that... trouble-free, healthy, stable, happy, comfortable, and less challenging.  But that is not life, is it? 

How are you positioned?

 

How are you positioned?

A reminder from the book Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish.

“One reason the best in the world make consistently good decisions is they rarely find themselves forced into a decision by circumstances. You don’t need to be smarter than others to outperform them if you can out-position them. Anyone looks like a genius when they’re in a good position and even the smartest person looks like an idiot when they’re in a bad one.”

Think about it . . .

 

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Approaches to Challenging Conversations

 

There are different ways to approach differing viewpoints or challenging conversations. Some ways simply fan the flames and make things worse. A more productive approach can change the direction of a discussion and win people over. Consider these statements as great starting points...

·         What if we approached this from another angle?

·         Here’s how this could solve your problem . . .

·         The opportunity here is . . .

·         What would make this easier for you?

·         If we do this, you’ll be much closer to your vision.

 

Support the Blanton Bunch and help fund research for a cure for blood cancers.

Click here  The Blanton Bunch 2026   to learn more and support our cause.