First and foremost, before initiating guidance or lead, the leader must create a vision; a goal for the future and proffer an idea to implement. After that, it is essential to hand over different tasks to each individual but the most quintessential task is to inspire; to influence them. Inspiring; influencing is the best means of motivation. It can cause more effort, thus making the work more productive and better. 

The ability to influence is an essential leadership skill. To influence, candidly means to have an impact on the behaviors, attitudes, mindsets and opinions of others. What we should bear in mind is that influence is not power or ultimate control. It is neither manipulation nor being an ableist. 

Mutual trust and confidence is the foundation for the leader’s ability to influence others. Influence and trust are directly proportional to each other. 

How can leaders build trust and influence others effectively?

1. Substantiate credibility 

• Stephen Covey, in his book ‘The Speed of Trust’, emphasizes that leaders must establish trust and thus thereby influence by establishing credibility first. Integrity, intent, capabilities and results are four foundational elements needed to establish one’s credibility, he adds.
   
  2. Build a strong connection and network. 

• In simple terms, it means to ‘socialize’. To influence others, the team or individuals have to be involved. Work as a team, address their needs, appreciate the tiniest of efforts portrayed and by exhibiting sincere commitment, a good leader can build a great influence over his/her team.
  
  3. ‘Go Dutch’ on your passion. 

• Sharing one’s passion, ignites and motivates others to do the same and support each other. In the words of Kouzes and Posner, ‘If a leader displays no passion for a cause, why should anyone else care?’ indicating that good leaders influence others by sharing their passion, enthusiasm and excitement.
  
  4. Demonstrate openness 

• Be willing to listen to others. Whether it be their opinions, criticism or needs. By engaging in such a discussion and manner, respect and trust will definitely boom forth and will enhance the leader’s ability to influence. 

 “Values are the guiding principles that help you determine what is right or wrong”. Knowing the AIESEC values is not enough as they must be lived. AIESECers are privileged with a ton of incredible opportunities where they can use their potential to spread these values among communities all over the world in a variety of ways.

Simply wait and reflect. What does “striving for excellence” mean exactly? When we pursue excellence, we push ourselves to provide the highest order work in everything we do. If there is no peace, what good does it do to be the best at anything?

However, “PEACE” does not always imply the absence of a war. It has numerous facets. We might argue, which people do tend to do. Everyone can arrive at successful solutions by incorporating a little “PEACE” at the end of the day. “PEACE” fulfills its duty in this manner.

    When I come to the point of how AIESEC helps me to improve myself, it improves my soft skills, and it tries to bring out my inner leader and I am really passionate about this. All our LCVPs, managers, TLs as well as fellow members tell every single newbie to experience everything, don’t miss anything that causes you to regret later and yeah, I did so. I applied for a back office function, but I didn’t get selected. But I thought that, at least I learnt how to face an interview. Then after a few days they opened applications for an organizing committee. And now I’m experiencing the atmosphere of an organizing committee as a vice president. 

So, AIESEC teaches me how to bear failures because we may not succeed every time. It’s a common thing in our working life as well as our personal life. And it teaches me to be a brave girl who has that enthusiasm to experience new things which affects my life in a good way. And more importantly, it teaches me how to balance my academics with the other extra activities because sometimes we may get some difficulties by handling all of these things at once. Basically, AIESEC gives birth to a potential person to the society every single day and encourages the younger generation all over the world.

An AIESECer has the great opportunity of climbing the AIESEC ladder, which opens up billions of new national and international affairs. One who starts from the member level can climb step by step up to international levels. This journey helps to experience and build up various leadership skills; ability to understand and tolerate others’ ideas, ability to respect the leader, ability to obey the rules and customs etc. This finally creates the best version of an individual, whom the world is asking for.

So, being an AIESECer not only makes you a leader, but also creates a great memorable personality within you.

Authored By,
Imandi Abeysekara
Content Writer
AIESEC in University of Colombo