Centered Leaders Use Influence, Not Manipulation

Have you ever had a leader who manipulated you? They pushed you around by appealing to your sense of threat, or your fear of consequences?

I'm not saying that team members are not responsible for their actions. When we fail to perform we may rightfully encounter consequences. But, leaders who rely on threats, hidden agendas, and manipulation are not doing themselves or their teams a service.

As John Maxwell pointed out, "Leadership is influence." My over 25 years of experience in the field keeps proving that out, over and over.

Centered leaders -- leaders who are in touch with their goals and feelings and who operate with clarity, courage, creativity and compassion -- use influence, not manipulation to achieve their goals.

How about you?

-- Douglas Brent Smith