How To Gain Influence As A Young Leader

Do you need experience to make a difference?

Do you need to be older to truly leave a legacy?

These are the questions I wrestle with as a young leader.

I’ve been having a bit of an identity crises lately.

As I look at my heroes – the difference they’re making and the influence they’re having, I get discouraged. They are older than me. They have more experience. They have deeper insight. They have larger followings.

I’m tempted to shrink back. I mean, I don’t have much to say, right?

I think you know the answer. I couldn’t be more wrong.

There is always a place for you, no matter what your age, to influence. You are called to set an example and make a difference whether you’re 14 or 74. It’s possible for the young to influence the old and the old to influence the young.

Here’s how you can gain influence as a young leader:

1. Stop making excuses – Take a minute and write down the excuses that are holding you back. For example:

• I’m too old
• I’m too young
• I’m not as creative as ________
• I don’t have the resources that ________ has
• I’m not as connected as ________

Gaining influence starts with calling your bluffs – naming your excuses. After you’ve named them, faced them, stared them in the eye, it’s easier to ignore them.

2. Own Your Mistakes – It’s common for young leaders to be “know-it-alls”. I mean, we’re young, cutting edge, and trendy, right? Forget about it. If you want to gain influence with your peers and those who are older than you, admit your mistakes and own the responsibility. Don’t ever pass the buck. Even if it’s not completely your fault, it’s better to own it.

3. Do All You Can – Tell yourself right now, “I’m not above anything.” Wherever you serve, serve with all your heart. Whatever is thrown at you, take it to a whole new level. Go above and beyond. Sprint the extra mile. Make your leader look great.

4. Don’t Ignore the Details – You may be a strong visionary leader, but if you ignore the small details of your job you will infuriate the people who work with you. Go out of your way to focus on the small details. Review your month before it happens. Review your week before it happens. Review your day before it happens. Make sure all the details of every appointment and project are accounted for.

5. Be Vision Driven – A lot of young people I know are simply out for the paycheck. They work Monday thru Friday in order to live on the weekends. But if you want to influence, your life needs to connect with a compelling vision. The goals you pursue need to be impossible without God. What is your vision? If you were described in one word, what would it be?

Another incredible resource for young leaders comes from Andy Andrews on how to influence.

Let’s continue the discussion. What are some other ways you gain influence as a young leader? Join in the comments!