Response 1: I Agree With The Statement That Leadershi 552667

Response 1i Agree With The Statement That Leadership Is About Influe

Response 1: I agree with the statement that "leadership is about influence". Influence can be created in many ways; not every leader is a domineering or charismatic type of person. Some of the best leaders I have known have been quiet but lead by example. The foundation of effective leadership is character—who you are—along with relationships, knowledge, intuition, experience, past success, and ability. I believe my leadership style is being the glue in a team, emphasizing the importance of bringing out the best in others and creating a cohesive and high-performing team. My strength lies in identifying team needs, selecting the right personnel, and helping them excel. I tend to lead through my character by doing what I say and exceeding expectations, which builds confidence among team members. Past success and experience are critical in influencing others, especially in professional settings where credibility is essential.

In the professional world, relationships matter, but your ability to deliver and demonstrate competence sustains those relationships. Walking the talk and proving one’s worth are vital, particularly in competitive environments. Proverbs 22:29 (ESV) underscores this, "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men." In my international experience working in China, integrity and competence helped me forge meaningful connections and earn a reputation for reliability, illustrating that character, ability, and relationships—while interconnected—must be balanced for effective influence (Northouse, 2018).

Response 2: Reflecting on Maxwell’s assertion that leadership is influence—nothing more and nothing less—I recalled my past work experiences. Starting from an internship where the general manager was largely hands-off, to my recent role where I received mentorship aimed at long-term development, I see how influence plays a central role. My belief is that effective leadership involves inspiring others to work hard and to desire growth in their respective fields. In my current journey in sports management, I identify character, ability, and knowledge as my primary influence methods, scoring myself nine, eight, and seven respectively. Demonstrating genuine care and mastery of my field encourages others to follow.

My weaker areas are past success and experience, which I rate as a three. I recognize that by focusing more on strengthening my core capabilities and gaining field experience over time, I can leverage my influence more effectively. Developing experience and success will require patience and persistent effort, but I am confident that leaning into my strengths and gaining more practical knowledge will enhance my influence as a leader in sports management (Goffee & Jones, 2006; Maxwell, 2007).

Paper For Above instruction

Leadership, at its core, is fundamentally about the ability to influence others toward achieving common goals. This influence can manifest through various means—be it charisma, expertise, integrity, or interpersonal relationships—and does not necessarily require a dominant or charismatic personality. The essence of effective leadership is rooted in principles such as character, competence, and credibility, which build trust and facilitate influence (Northouse, 2018). Leaders who exemplify integrity and demonstrate consistency in their actions tend to inspire confidence in their followers, thereby enhancing their influence naturally.

Character plays a pivotal role in leadership influence because it forms the basis of trustworthiness. Leaders who are honest, reliable, and exhibit strong moral principles are often more persuasive and inspiring. For example, many great leaders, despite lacking charisma, have succeeded because people follow them based on their integrity and the example they set. Conversely, knowledge and ability are essential to demonstrate expertise and competence, which reinforce credibility. A leader needs to showcase their qualifications, skills, and experience to influence others effectively—particularly in competitive environments where performance and results matter. Past success further bolsters influence, as proven track records serve as tangible evidence of capability and reliability (Bass & Bass, 2008).

Relationship-building is also vital. Leaders who cultivate strong relationships foster loyalty and motivate followers, creating a positive cycle of influence. Networking and interpersonal skills enable leaders to connect with diverse stakeholders, aligning their efforts toward shared objectives. In international contexts, such as working in China, maintaining integrity and demonstrating competence have helped forge durable business relationships despite cultural differences (Hitt et al., 2017). Character, ability, and relationships are interconnected facets that collectively enhance a leader’s influence.

Furthermore, influence extends beyond individual traits to include the leader’s ability to communicate a compelling vision and motivate followers. Persuasive communication and active listening help leaders understand follower needs and adapt their approaches accordingly. Charismatic leaders might rely on their personality, but those who influence through integrity and consistency often enjoy more sustainable support over time (Goffee & Jones, 2006). In this sense, leadership influence is a multifaceted construct that encompasses moral purpose, personal capability, and relational skills.

Personal reflections highlight how influence manifests across different stages of a leadership journey. For instance, in my professional experience, emphasizing character and competence has enabled me to build trust and motivate teams. Leading by example and following through on commitments engenders confidence among team members and stakeholders. Conversely, in my colleague's experience, fostering long-term development and mentorship are seen as key influence strategies that inspire growth and loyalty (Maxwell, 2007). Recognizing and developing various influence methods can lead to more effective leadership outcomes.

In conclusion, leadership as influence is a nuanced and multi-dimensional concept that incorporates moral qualities, expertise, and interpersonal skills. Effective leaders leverage these elements to inspire, motivate, and guide others toward shared success. Whether through quiet integrity or charismatic appeal, the ability to influence remains the defining trait of impactful leadership. Developing these qualities requires intentional effort, self-awareness, and recognition of one's unique influence styles to adapt and grow as a leader in diverse contexts (Goffee & Jones, 2006; Maxwell, 2007; Northouse, 2018).

References

• Bass, B. M., & Bass, R. (2008). The Bass Handbook of Leadership: Theory, Research, and Managerial Applications (4th ed.). Free Press.
• Goffee, R., & Jones, G. (2006). Why should anyone be led by you? Harvard Business Review Press.
• Hitt, M. A., Ireland, R. D., & Hoskisson, R. E. (2017). Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases: Competitiveness and Globalization. Cengage Learning.
• Maxwell, J. C. (2007). The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You. Thomas Nelson.
• Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice (8th ed.). SAGE Publications.