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One of the basic attributes of a good leader is the power of influence. This has not been properly looked into recently; instead, people delve into other things that aren't necessary. Influence is key in all facets of human endeavor.What's influence? 

This is the capacity to change things. In others, it is the power to shape or change the feelings, behavior, and thoughts of people. This is a vital instrument that could motivate or cause a change in a particular thing. All of us have exercised one level of influence or the other. Once you are able to change something, I can say you have influenced that thing. 

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Influence can't be achieved through forceful means, but it requires diplomacy and guidance so that an individual could see light and align with whatever transformation you are bringing on board. On several occasions I have influenced my children as a father in one way or the other. Just this afternoon, I summoned all of them immediately after lunch to go straight to the room to pray and sleep. 

At the beginning, it was a struggle, but at the end, they all went to sleep. I guided them, showed them the reason why they needed it, and ensured they moved in that direction.There are different kinds of influence under the surface of the earth. Let me highlight a few of them.Emotional influence This has to do with the ability of someone to cause change in the state of someone's emotional state. 

For instance, if you aren't happy or are in a sorrowful mood, and someone is able to change your mood to a positive one, hmmm, emotional influence has been achieved.Authority influence deals with power, just like a leader can exercise such power on others for them to change.When you want to build and maintain influence, there are things you need to consider:Build sufficient capacity in the areas of your skills. Man's skill or talent has the ability to motivate or inspire one. You can't give what you don't have; therefore, equip yourself so that you will be able to share with others and build them in a similar direction.When you want to exercise influence, then deliberately learn to maintain relationships. 

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You can't influence people that you aren't close with. When you draw people closer to yourself, it becomes easier to influence them or develop a strong tie of relationship; it would give you an edge over them easily. I have, over time, enjoyed this kind of method as a leader.Another way is to have good communication skills. You may be endowed with the capacity to influence, but when you lack proper communication skills, it will end up in shambles. Identify a suitable communication pathway and watch out and see how things would unfold.Influence has levels, and if you jump one, you may not be able to influence anything. You can begin with yourself. Are there habits you are struggling with? Are there challenges you are confronted with? Then deploy the right strategy of influence so that you will be able to influence others when you see them outside.