Leadership is About Influence
Leadership is about influence. Great leaders have the capacity to influence by being. May you have the courage to take this journey.
Leadership is about influence.
Great leaders have the capacity to influence by being.
Their very presence makes someone want to follow because of how they show up – with courage, challenging the status quo, and positioning their expertise with confidence and conviction.
I’ve had the distinct honor of being in conversation with a myriad of incredible world-class leaders who have shared their story about being called to do what they’re doing.
With a clear mission and purpose, they step out into the world with an inner understanding that they were designed to make a difference in the world. Leadership is About Influence - Upside Thinking Inc.
Yet, what they all have in common is not being a trailblazer.
It is that every single one acknowledged their insecurities of not feeling good enough to be up for the task.
And, they still stepped out anyway.
Whenever I’ve stepped out to do something I felt called to do, the voices of criticism and condemnation have been there to greet me.
When I first opened my business, the voices were loud and unkind – like those from the grade school bully.
- “Who do you think you are? You’ll never figure out how to get this (business) off the ground.”
- “No one wants to hear from you.”
- “You may be able to fool them for a short period of time but when they find out who you really are, it’ll all be over.”
And, if I wasn’t working to drown out the mean and nasty voices in my head, I was comparing myself to other business people I’d met in the community.
- She’s got the right degree and background.
- She’s incredibly connected.
- She’s got an amazing sense of style and poise.
Who do I think I am to open a business?!?
So, I did my best to fit in.
I built a white picket fence around my deck of cards and didn’t let anyone in.
I shopped for the best clothes and carefully crafted my sentences.
I read business books and attended business conferences and seminars, smiling as I gave my business card with a perfectly polished 30-second intro to everyone I met.
Yep. I was all shined up on the outside and a hot mess on the inside.
I complained to my husband that I felt like a fraud, sobbing that I would never be good enough and why didn’t I just get a job.
Yet, I was clear that I was called to do this work – to speak about leadership in a way that was different and served as the catalyst for new conversations and perspectives.
Tired of listening to my whining, Jim and I had a come-to-Jesus moment at the dining room table where he told me this was the last time he would listen to my crappy story. (Well, not in those words exactly…)
He challenged me to do whatever I needed to do to make it work – or to get a job.
I quietly began reading books like “You Can Heal Your Life,” “The Soul of Money,” and re-reading my favorites including “The Greatest Miracle In the World” and “Way of The Peaceful Warrior.”
Tears would stream through my eyes as I was presented with greater lessons – and the biggest was that people didn’t need me to be perfect, they needed me to be real.
Over time, I got the courage to step out behind the curtain of what seemed safe, and tidy and acceptable and began being unapologetically me.
My insecurities of not feeling good enough were the same challenges other leaders spoke about – and yet, they had the courage to speak about their insecurities and trials.
I wondered where my need for approval came from and decided to boldly move into an arena that terrified me.
The voices of doubt were still loud, yet, my big why and purpose was louder and drowned out the punishing and merciless voices.
As I’ve gotten more and more vulnerable about my own leadership journey and what my personal struggles are, I expected shame and rejection.
And, while there are people who have unsubscribed from my Upside Thought or told me that my brand of leadership doesn’t resonate for them, I’m amazed at how much love and acceptance you have shown to me.
There have been many misdeeds on my journey that I’ve shared openly and honestly over the past 7 years.
I’ve repented and asked for forgiveness – and some I will never share with anyone other than God.
What I have learned is that miracles have happened on this journey of vulnerability, unconditional love, and mercy.
Deeper and more authentic connections have been formed – and I’m being invited to speak in more places than ever before and leadership/executive coaching clients are showing up unexpectedly.
A door closes – and a ginormous window opens. ❤️
In the beginning of the article, I shared how I have had the privilege of being in conversation with amazing leaders.
In one particular conversation with Nobel Prize Nominee and the founder of Project Forgive, Dr. Shawne Duperon invited me to stop telling an old story – and show myself the same love and forgiveness I show others.
Several weeks ago, I found out that my father (biological) passed away 5 years ago.
I was devastated and have been grieving as we had not spoken for 30 years – and I no longer have the opportunity to repair what was broken.
I am most saddened that my father never overcame his fear to step out and be seen – and found it necessary to hide behind ego, fear, and bravado as a way to exert control.
In the end, I recognize that my father was a good man who had many demons that ultimately consumed him.
It’s always easier to give in or hide out than to design your own destiny.
As I’ve been walking this journey, I’ve gone back to the memories that I want to keep close – and am choosing to let go of those that won’t serve me as these can be stories that prevent me from doing what Shawne spoke about so eloquently.
Leadership is About Influence
Yes, leadership is about influence.
Stepping into being a catalyst for positive influence requires vulnerability, a willingness to let go of what isn’t serving you, and self-love and forgiveness.
May you have the courage to take this journey as the people you are called to serve need you.
Comfort doesn’t change the world.
Action Item: Leadership is About Influence - Lisa Marie Platske
The Upside Challenge of the week is to identify where you are — and to take action on one thing to be seen, heard, and recognized for who you are. What is one thing you will let go of to move forward as a leader worth following?
The world needs you and your brilliance!
Upside Your Business & Your Life!
