We have all seen the people on social media trying to "influence" us into buying the cute shirt, the newest technology, the greatest vacuum. I don't think we realize how often others influence us or how often we influence others. In the TED talk with Cricket Buchler she shares a quote from LeGrand R. Curtis that says, "More children are punished for mimicking their parent than ever for disobeying them." And it got me thinking. Do I do this to my own son? I definitely want him to be better than I am so I think that plays a part in every decision I make. But he is a product of his father and I, both good and bad.
Teachers are masters of influencing too. I spend all day trying to influence my students to make the right choices, do the right thing, and learn a thing or two in between. I think that going into our innovation project we already have an advantage and the experience to influence others.
To influence others in our organization to change, using the six sources of influence to guide your actions is key. Focusing mainly on the social motivation and social ability of the six sources, we are able to see how influence can really affect change. Of those two sources, Cricket Buchler offers strategies to be able to be successful in our influencing. The first one is modeling the change you wish to see. Modeling the change, whether it be a behavior or an action, modeling it for others to see, and doing it successfully can be a great influence to those around you. Strategy number two was to enlist those who motivate. These people can be helpful when they are praising the change in others. Finally, she states that you need to seek the support of those who enable.
The power of influence infiltrates every part of our lives, from the products we buy to the decisions we make as parents and educators. Being mindful of our own influence and how we shape others' behaviors and perspectives can lead to profound insights and opportunities for growth. As educators, we wield a unique influence over our students, guiding them toward positive choices and fostering their learning journey. By embodying the change we wish to see, rallying the support of motivators, and enlisting the aid of enablers, we can drive transformation within our teams and beyond.
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