At the foundation of any transformation journey is influence, a force that creates or halts a sequence or pattern of events. The first law of motion states that motion is sustained at uniform speed and rest is maintained in a system unless an external influence is introduced.
Change occurs when the dynamics sustaining a problem are modified by an influence. Influence has the potential to produce a ripple effect in people and systems. This is the easiest way to begin to understand leadership. In fact, the unit of leadership is influence. In other words, the aggregate of your influences defines your leadership.

What then is influence in the literal sense? Influence is the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behaviour of someone or something, or the effect itself (Oxford English Dictionary): One of the synonyms of influence is power or authority.
This speaks to the fact that with influence comes a level of control or capacity to produce an effect. In summary, influence is the ability to elicit a response, initiate an action, or change in behavior. It is the ability to modify or control processes, programs, and outcomes.

Every human being exercises the power of influence in different ways and at different levels. Understanding the kind of influence one has and how to deploy it effectively is the secret to true power and authority. Ignorance of this is the reason many cannot change the situations around them.
Let’s consider different forms of influence:

Senior leaders in organizations can exercise influence on their subordinates. Political government leaders, by virtue of their position, can use executive or legislative powers to make laws or policies that the populace must follow.
Positional or legal influence refers to influence that is backed by a person’s position or hierarchy. On the other hand, relational influence flows from connection, mutual respect, honor and the bond of friendship.
Bottomline, we can exercise influence by positional or relational advantage.

Influence could also be understood from the angle of willing submission or forced submission. While it is usually difficult to resist influence based on positional advantage, value-based influence only happens by willful submission as a result of the perceived value represented by the influencer or the value placed on the relationship.
If people copy the things you do without you making them, you are exercising value-based influence. When people want to learn from you sincerely and not to gain your favor, you have value-based influence on them.

While some influences are very obvious, others are behind the scenes. People are quick to criticise or applaud Kings or Presidents for decisions and policies made in a territory but people do not see the advisers and consultants who contribute to the decision.
Many history defining actions have been influenced by anonymous voices or people. Whether visible or subtle, influence creates visible impact. Whether you are vocal or you influence with a whisper, you are contributing to society.
The more we are intentional about our influences, the greater our shot at transforming society. We complain about political leaders globally today but neglect the family, the schools, the media, the community, religious institutions that raised them. Fruits do not make themselves; they are products of trees.

1. Build character and integrity: A stable character and proven track record is the foundation for a value-based influence.

2. Be a relatable person: Be friendly, be approachable, be gracious. The people you cannot attract, you cannot influence. On the other hand, be open minded to learn from other people too.

3. Be a giver: Giving opens the heart of people. Give love, share compassion that’s the way to the human heart.

4. Be interested in people:  Theodore Roosevelt wrote, ‘people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you  care.’  Show interest in people, empathize with them in their situation, be present with them, and do these without any ulterior motive.

5. Be an investor: In addition to investing in businesses, invest in people, processes, and systems that drive positive change in the society. Put your money, attention, passion, and mouth where your heart is. Use your advantages to support good courses.

6. Don’t be Silent: The world is in chaos because of the silence of well-meaning people and the loudness of those who do not mean well. You cannot afford to remain silent. You have influence; wield it! James warned us in James 4:17 (NIV, Bible Hub.com):

‘If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.’

To the young people, I urge you to take the counsel of Paul to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12,

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.”

In conclusion, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” (Matthew 5:13, BibleBub.com)