Leadership Vs Influence – Similar But Not Interchangeable
- Sep 3, 2024
- 3 min read
Written by Lars Friedrich, Leadership Expert
Lars Friedrich, a seasoned expert in personal and professional leadership development, brings a unique 'Touch of Zen' to his approach. This distinctive method, honed over a proven track record of over three decades, sets him apart in the field and piques his curiosity.
Do you believe that anyone can become and be a leader regardless of their background or circumstances?
Because these days, too often, when people talk and write about becoming a leader and leadership, they seem to mean influence and being an influencer!
Similar, but not interchangeable
On the surface, leadership and influence may seem similar, but they are not interchangeable!
Leadership is about guiding and inspiring others, while influence is the power to shape someone's beliefs or actions.
“Leadership and influence are similar. But they are not the same! And the most significant difference between influencing and leading is that influencers lead ideas, while leaders lead people.” - Lars Friedrich
It's crucial to grasp these distinctions to accurately understand the roles and responsibilities of leading and influencing others.
Because, though subtle, they are significant and should not be overlooked!
Leadership
Leadership per se implies having influence!
Still, not all influencers, even highly respected ones with vast followership, are in leadership positions and have the abilities, capabilities, and capacity to lead.
Leadership, a highly esteemed quality in business, is not merely about influencing actions!
It's about molding others through their identity, actions, and approach.
This distinct ability to influence actions, a power exclusive to leadership, differentiates them and fosters personal development.
Influence
Contrary to popular belief, influence is not about superficially shaping behavior!
It's about profoundly impacting character, thought processes, and values.
This transformative power of influence, often underestimated by self-proclaimed 'influencers', truly defines it and underscores the weight of responsibility that comes with it.
However, it's important to note that influence alone, without leadership's structure and accountability, has limitations, and influence needs the guidance and responsibility of leadership to reach its full potential.
Like anyone in professional leadership positions, the severe and responsible influencer develops positive qualities that reach people individually or in ways that even impact millions.
Generally, when we ask others to go first, we must influence them!
“Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.” - Albert Schweitzer
Controversially, when someone takes on active and visible leadership and leads by example, the impact of influence is multiplied, naturally attracts others, and is longer-lasting.
However, influencing others by only slightly and superficially shaping their behaviour without taking direct responsibility is another thing.
Responsibility
Leadership and influence also differ in terms of responsibility!
Influencers may propose innovative ideas, but those who take on leadership are responsible for turning those ideas into reality and managing the potential consequences.
This distinction highlights the ethical and practical implications of leadership and influence!
Leading ideas, leading people
So, to come back to whether everybody can become a leader...
Suppose we agree to define a leader as someone in charge of a team, company, organization, governmental authority or political party.
In that case, the answer is clear and firm:
No, not just anyone can become and be a leader and execute leadership!
Because the most significant difference between influencing and leading is that influencers lead ideas, while leaders lead people!
Leading with ideas as an influencer involves shaping and promoting innovative concepts while leading people with leadership requires guiding and inspiring individuals towards a common goal.
Undeniably, many people possess leadership qualities, such as communication skills, strategic thinking, and empathy.
However, only those who find themselves in circumstances that demand the practical and active execution of those leadership qualities, such as managing businesses while leading others, are recognized and respected leaders.
Leadership and being a leader always demands walking the talk and leading by example, not words!
Lars Friedrich, Leadership Expert
Lars Friedrich, a seasoned expert in personal and professional leadership development, brings a unique 'Touch of Zen' to his approach. This distinctive method, honed over a proven track record of over three decades, sets him apart in the field and piques his curiosity.
With a career that has spanned from being a former Officer and Special Forces Operator to a COO in international and intercultural corporate business operations and development positions, and now as the founder of his boutique business, Lars has accumulated a wealth of practical leadership, resilience, discipline, motivation, endurance, commitment, persistence, and dedication.
