We Are All Influencers

 

     A couple of years ago, I wrote a blog on the effect of influencers within our society. All that is still actively happening but I started "taking a step back" to recognize that we are ALL influencers.

     To influence is to be noticed. You might be seen, heard, sensed, or noticed through the effects of your actions. Influence can be positive or negative -- though for remembering a name on a ballot, it seems that just the "name recognition" is the most important and whether that person is known for behaving well or poorly is of secondary importance. Positive influence generally encourages positive behavior on the part of the observer. We want to be like them and we want to be acknowledged as such. Negative influence is not as clear. Observation of someone, in a position of influence, doing negative behaviors may be interpreted as permission for the observer to do similar negative behaviors.

     A great teacher can help self-motivate a student for the rest of their educational ladder. A rotten teacher can knock them out of a groove -- but a good one, or great one, can put them back on their path. In all cases, the idea is to help the person internalize the feelings that occur when someone external acts as an inspiration or cheerleader. That person may be family, a friend of the family, a teacher, or a respected friend but the process is to lay the foundations to become our OWN inspiration and cheerleader.

     Most of the time, we do not know when we are being influencers. There are some, of course, who are deliberately trying to influence. But much of the most important influences upon our lives come from those who are just living their lives -- doing the best (or worst) that they see to do.

     A "foundation" of mores and behaviors is created in our very early years. A strong foundation is internalized quite early and can support the person throughout their lives. This foundation gives them strength to choose among later influences that will help mold their growth. But, in many different circumstances, the foundation may not get a chance to develop -- or for the person to internalize a set of values that can sustain them through the challenges of life.

     To the best of my knowledge and awareness, every person (unless raised in complete isolation) -- in the process of growing up -- is surrounded by a peer group and, as themselves, are a peer to others. Depending on the strength of their early foundation, the peer group can have a greater, or lesser, ability to impress upon someone growing up. Joining a gang can be choosing a specific peer group. based on perceived values, when a person's foundation is weak or absent.

     The purpose of a leader is to guide, inspire, and support. If they work hard, and we feel acknowledged and supported, then we work hard. If they are not seen/heard/known to do significant work, then their influence can become unimportant or even negative. If they are extremely highly paid and work only moderately then it does not inspire, and motivate, as it does when recompense is aligned with amount of work.

     Inspiration by leaders lets us have a reachable goal for our efforts --- having a poor example does not inspire our best efforts. It gives us a feeling that our efforts are not worthwhile. Working more than others and earning less than those people is not encouraging.

     The effect of influencing is not always such a "weighty" matter. A smile may be passed from one person to another -- lightening the heart of each that encounters it. A cheerful "hello" may mean much to someone -- even if their immediate reaction is to growl back at you.

     We are all influencers. We often do not know when we are influencing others. It is thus important to continue to strive to do our best and be the best example of which we are currently able to be. (And forgive ourselves when that "best for the moment" does not meet our standards.)