Influence
- At January 24, 2011
- By Nathan
- In Career Planning
0
Moving towards a career and a life that is more of a fit with who you are may eventually place you in a position of influence. That being the case, it is worthwhile considering in advance how you plan on making use of such a position of power sometime down the road.
While I am not a prophet nor the son of a prophet, there is one very good way to find out. Ask yourself: “What am I doing with the measure of power and the degree of influence I have today?” Each person reading this has some clout, a small realm where you already rule, a tiny kingdom at your disposal. How do you suppose you are doing in the polls?
You are likely familiar with the following scenario: The big boss at work comes down hard on employee #123, who goes home to vent at family member #4, who steps out and kicks pet #3, who in turn bites mail delivery person #2, who then botches the mail delivery for big boss #1.
So once again, “How are you using the little influence you have right now?” Or to put it another way, “What are you preaching from your platform?” Everybody is preaching something. The other day I watched and listened as Vivienne Westwood used her platform as famous fashion designer as a pulpit to promote a humanistic worldview.
What would you promote if the camera was pointed at you? What would you vote for if you got into government? What type of movies would you make? Which news stories would you focus on? What would you edit if you monitored the internet? Something to think about.
You don’t need me to tell you that a lot of people out there are abusing the power they already have. Let’s face it, all of us at times have done just that.
Make wise use of the influence you have today. This will prepare you for a position of greater influence tomorrow.
