Read: Dare to be Different. Act Now! 

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Through years of coaching elite leaders, a consistent truth emerges: influence is as much about inner vigour as external expertise. Beyond strategies and plans, it's the unwavering energy, the fire in the belly, that sets transformative leaders apart. This isn't learned from textbooks but kindled from within, ignited by ambition and fuelled by passion. In my journey with these trailblazers, it’s evident: to lead is not just to guide, but to galvanise with an energy that’s both infectious and inspiring. True leadership influence is about sparking fires, not just lighting the way.

Read: Oomph  (one of the Lessons in Extraordinary Influence)

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Confidence isn’t a one-time achievement; it’s a journey, a lifelong pursuit. As we traverse the shifting landscapes of life, personal and professional, our self-belief must be nurtured, adjusted, and sometimes even rebuilt. With each new challenge, with each success or setback, there's a lesson to imbibe. Adopting a mindset of perpetual learning ensures we remain agile, adapting to change while staying grounded. Every situation, be it a triumphant success or a lesson-laden failure, offers an opportunity to refine our confidence, ensuring we continually radiate influence and remain steadfast in our self-assurance.

 

Read: Robust Confidence  (one of the Lessons in Extraordinary Influence)

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There's networking, and then there's crafting political capital. The difference? One is about numbers; the other, about depth. It's easy to misconstrue political capital as mere schmoozing. 

However, it transcends superficial glad-handing. It's the deliberate nurturing of relationships, ensuring each connection has purpose and reciprocity. It’s the clout you wield without uttering a word, the unspoken alliance that shifts boardroom decisions. 

Building political capital means strategically aligning with influential allies, ensuring when the chips are down, you have a legion of support.

 

Read: Building Political Capital (one of the Lessons in Extraordinary Influence)

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Others may try to control you through emotional triggers. Don't fall into their trap. Emotional reactions relinquish your power. Instead, break free from their hold. 

Consciously observe their attempts to sway you. Then, create a sanctuary of pause. In that instant, you sever their control over your emotions. 

Reclaim your autonomy by responding with clarity, rather than reacting impulsively. Your emotional liberation is the foundation of true influence.

 

Read: Mastering Emotional Control (one of the Lessons in Extraordinary Influence)

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Often, understanding and agreement are mistakenly intertwined, viewed as two sides of the same coin. Yet, they function best as separate lanes on the highway of human interaction. 

To truly understand is to delve into another's perspective, feeling its nuances and depth. 

Agreement, however, is a choice – a decision to align. 

Recognising this distinction is liberating. It allows for deeper dialogues, rich in diversity and free from the pressure to conform. 

When we master this art, we foster spaces where voices are heard, respected, and valued, irrespective of concurrence.

Read: Walking in their Shoes (one of the Lessons in Extraordinary Influence)

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Read: They Could Be Right (one of the Lessons in Extraordinary Influence) Read More

Too many of us get lost in the daily grind without clear direction. To transcend the ordinary, it all starts with a well-defined vision. Picture a reality so captivating that it becomes impossible to ignore. By crafting this detailed mental image, you're not just setting out a path but also laying the foundations for conviction. Without a vision, efforts are dispersed. But with one, the scope of what's attainable broadens. From my extensive coaching of executives, it's evident: extraordinary success isn't stumbled upon; it's born from vision.   Read: Reality, Expectation and Obsession (one of the Extraordinary Lessons in Influence) Read More

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Many clamour for attention, but few truly command it. The secret? Aligning your contributions with the organisation's core values and objectives. It's akin to tuning into a frequency: once you're in harmony, you become unmistakably clear and resonant amidst the noise. Understand this basic rule of alignment, and you'll find that gaining visibility isn’t about pushing yourself forward, but about creating a magnetic pull that naturally draws attention your way. Read: Jumping into the Line of Fire  (one of the Lessons in Extraordinary Influence) Read More