Too many leaders rely on a single influencing strategy: telling people what to do. But telling isn’t influencing—it’s directing.
True influence comes from engagement, not enforcement.
Great leaders use a variety of strategies instead: spark curiosity by asking thought-provoking questions, challenge assumptions to encourage deeper thinking, let them find the solution—people are far more committed to ideas they help create.
The best leaders don’t impose solutions; they inspire them. So, next time you want to influence someone, ask yourself: Are you telling, or are you leading?
What influencing strategies do you currently use ?
How can you focus more on inspiring solutions ?
