How can your ability to influence the thinking of other people positively impact your work and personal life?

Answer

If it's a good influence then you are helping other people out (but give them an edge at times and let them think once in awhile they have come up with the idea, or, give them the idea and let them run with it.) Leave the person with some dignity. If someone comes to you and asks for your help or suggestions that's a different matter. My husband and I both believe that if we ask others in the business he's in (building yachts) then no matter if you're a foreman (like my husband is) or secretary (like I am) when need be, you get your hands dirty with the rest of the crew. This shows the crew that you care enough if they are behind schedule and they'll work right along side of you and we've always managed to get 99% loyalty from his crew.

There is one word that comes into play with relationships and work ethics COMMUNICATION! Without it you have nothing but a load of misunderstandings perhaps causing arguments with others. Be understanding and realize that people have personal lives that can, at times, interfere with work (such as an illness they have, illness in the family, trouble with their wife/children or a death in the family) and give them respect and understanding. Another thing I find effective is LISTENING to what others have to say and take a little of each person's opinions to get further ahead. They thought enough of me to tell me their opinions so I take it (to a point at times.) Be understanding, but weigh the situation and if you think you're being taken for a ride then be terse, but don't yell and shout. Yelling gets no one anywhere because people will tune you out.

NEVER be a know-it-all. I'm 65 and I'm still learning, not only from my older peers, but also from some of the younger people. I like to mix both because it keeps you young, and your older friends step in if they think you're making a fool of yourself. LOL