25/09/2025
Over the past days, while running a series of Positive Influence workshops, I had a realization.
We often talk about Robert Cialdini’s principles of influence—and yes, they are still as relevant (if not more) than ever.
But what struck me is that effective influence in leadership doesn’t work in just one direction.
👉 The baseline for leaders who are truly persuasive is not only their ability to influence their people—it’s also their willingness to be influenced.
That requires:
🔹 Curiosity
🔹 A growth mindset
🔹 The humility to create space for team members to shape ideas, decisions, and directions
Communication and influence are not a cascade from the top down—they’re a dialogue. When leaders embrace this two-way dynamic, they don’t lose authority.
They build trust, respect, credibility, and presence.
💡 To me, the most impactful leaders are those who influence and allow themselves to be influenced.
What do you think—can leaders be truly persuasive without first being open to influence themselves?