How to Positively Influence Others
- 1). Inspire positivity in those you want to influence by treating them with respect. Treating everyone respectfully is necessary to set the tone for healthy relationships, even if you are a figure of authority. This effort will help develop a healthy type of respect, rather than respect that is gained or earned by instilling fear.To earn the respect of people you must first give it.
- 2). Build trust with those who you want to positively inspire. Lending a friendly ear, helping and teaching; and approaching others with a genuinely positive attitude helps to build trust with your peers. Showing people that you care and have their best interests in mind enables them to open up and trust you.
- 3). Walk the walk -- don't become all talk and no action -- display follow through. For example, if you are trying to influence others to show up to work on time, then you should always get to work on time.
- 4). Become a positive trend-setter. For instance, treat everyone equally, regardless of their social or professional status. Recognizing the value of each person and treating everyone equally is a proactive way to gain others' attention and inspire them positively.
- 5). Approach challenges and conflicts with a positive attitude. When your actions show people that you approach challenges positively, then others will learn from your attitude and emulate your behavior. Manage any conflict with a neutral, non-emotional attitude and find a common ground to solve issues. This will inspire other people positively by seeing how you calmly handle negative situations.
- 6). Listen to what others have to say. Listening to others is key to learn about the people you want to have a positive impact on. They will notice that you are focused and pay attention to the opinions being voiced.
- 7). Give people constructive criticism, if you are in position of authority, such as a managerial position. Help them improve and gain confidence, rather than just providing negative feedback or criticism without any guidance or tips.
- 8). Reward people with symbolic and material rewards to promote their positive attitudes. For example, you can give praise to a person doing a good job; or if appropriate, you can give a reward to the employee. Rewarding people who do something well motivates them to keep doing a good job -- and it also motivates others to do strive to do better also.