Steward Your Influence

“A good reputation is more valuable than the most expensive perfume.”  Ecclesiastes 7:1

Most men do not steward their personal influence.  You must recognize how important it is to develop and keep a good reputation.  When you walk into a room, your personal presence is like a fragrance.  If you have treated people in that room poorly you will be an odor to the room; however, if you have treated people well, it will be like a welcoming fragrance.

Influence is a currency.  Influence may be one of man’s most valuable skills. Solomon said, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”

PURPOSEFUL STEPS

• Dress for Respect – Dress appropriately for every occasion.
• Speak Clearly – Pronounce your words clearly and fluently.  Don’t exaggerate an accent.
• Use a Person’s Name – Repeat a person’s name in conversation after you have met them for the first time so you can lock in their identity for later recall.
• Avoid Jokes – Very few jokes are worth repeating.  Most are inappropriate.  Natural humor is better than concocted humor.
• Listen – Give your ear to listening.  Focus on the conversation that you are engaged in rather than eavesdropping on others.
• Don’t Grasp For Attention – Our attitude should never be one to grasp for attention.  It is beneath you as an authentic man to need the attention of the room.  Don’t raise your voice to be heard over others.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

Have at least one conversation with a person whom you don’t know very well.  Learn their name, occupation, and where and how they were raised.  Listen to their story.