Start Your Influence Here

Aim for Everyday Influence

Influence is one of those words we throw around a lot, especially in leadership, but have you ever stopped to think about what it really means? From my experience, I’ve always seen influence as an exchange of energy and attention.

Let me break it down more simply: If you’re a leader who wants to make a positive impact, you give your team encouraging energy—you cheer them on, guide them, and keep the vibe optimistic. You also pay attention to their ideas, their needs, and their voices. You’ll be an influence for good.

Now, flip that. If you want to have a negative influence (which, let’s hope, you don’t), you’ll distance yourself emotionally, withhold energy, and ignore the perspectives and concerns of those around you. Easy way to tank team morale, right? Talk about a loss leader.

The good news? You can be intentional about the energy and attention you bring to the table. That’s where influence really starts—with the priorities you’re wildly intentional about.

The Bases of Power

Back in 2022, I had the incredible opportunity to design a course for a group of highly skilled NASA leaders called "Leading Through Influence." It was a custom course being requested- they’d asked for something engaging and immersive, and I knew game-based learning would be a perfect fit. But beyond the fun, the real learning foundation came from diving into Bertram and Raven’s research on the bases of power.

If you’re not familiar with Bertram and Raven’s research, it emerged in the 1950s and 60s when organizational culture and workplace dynamics were being studied for effectiveness. Since people are the number one asset in any organization, their work examined how social norms, team climate, and the exchange of power shape outcomes. Fascinating, right?!!

Here’s what stood out to me: in any workplace, power is exchanged in different ways. Bertram and Raven identified several sources of power, but it’s more than what you might think at first. That is, not all of them are tied to hierarchy or job titles.

For example:

• Referent Power: This comes from relationships and trust. People follow you because they respect you or want to emulate you.
• Expert Power: This is earned through your skills and knowledge. People look to you for guidance because you know your stuff.
• Reward Power: This is about giving recognition or rewards (big or small) to motivate and uplift others.

What really resonated with the NASA team—and what I think will resonate with you—is that some forms of power are entirely within your control, even if you’re not the boss or don’t have access to critical information. You can control how you show up for others, how you earn trust, and how you use your skills to support your team.

When we explored these concepts through games, the leaders saw their influence in a whole new light. They realized that being intentional about relationships and communication could help them lead their teams more effectively, no matter the formal power or role they held.

What Influences You?

I think it's safe to say that the vast majority of leaders want to create a positive influence and be remembered for the impact they had on those around them. But before you can think about influencing others, you have to ask: What’s influencing me?

First, think of your energy and attention as precious resources. Are they being influenced by positive forces—things that make you feel clear-headed, creative, and motivated? Or are they being drained by distractions, negativity, and self-doubt?

Here’s where it gets real. If you don’t have enough space in your life to think clearly or connect with your own values, you’ll struggle to show up for others. Influence starts with clarity. It starts with understanding what matters most to you, so you can align your energy with your mission.

Take a moment to reflect:

• Are your influences pushing you toward well-being and purpose?
• Do you have time to think, dream, and create?
• Who or what is helping you be your best self?

By understanding what lifts you up, you’ll have a stronger foundation to lift others.

Relationships for the Win

Once you’ve got clarity, it’s time to focus outward. Influence is all about relationships and connection is where the magic happens.

Okay okay, it’s true that workplace relationships can feel transactional at times. Meetings, deadlines, deliverables… it’s easy to forget there are humans behind all those tasks. But when you take the time to connect, to really listen, and to offer your energy to others, the dynamics shift. Not only do you see the value in each teammate around you, your team can sense the change too. Open the door to becoming a cohesive and collaborative team player, and you’re that much closer to winning the game.

Think about a leader who’s had a lasting impact on you. Chances are, they weren’t just “the boss.” They were someone who saw you, encouraged you, and made you feel like you mattered. That’s relational power in action.

Ultimately, influence isn’t about control—it’s about connection. It’s the difference between saying, “That’s how I had it; you’ll survive,” and asking, “How can I make this better for you?” It’s about setting boundaries to protect your team’s energy, sharing encouragement freely, and creating an environment where people feel safe to show up as their best selves.

When you use your energy and attention to build others up, you’re not just influencing—they’re choosing to follow your lead. That’s where the real power lies.

Okay, Let’s Play

Influence begins with intention. When you focus on what shapes your energy and attention, you can align your actions with your values. Then, you can use that clarity to create positive ripple effects for others.

Ready: Take a moment to reflect on what influences you.

Set: Decide which influences you’ll embrace, which you’ll let go, and how you’ll align your actions with your values.

Go:

• Audit Your Influences: What’s positively or negatively shaping your energy and focus? Make a list.
• Clarify Your Legacy: Write down the impact you want to have and the values you want to represent.
• Strengthen Relationships: Take one action today to build trust with someone—whether it’s a colleague, team member, or peer.
• Set Boundaries: Protect your energy and your team’s focus by advocating for what matters most.

Start Your Influence Here

Influence doesn’t start with a job title, a big speech, or a fancy strategy. It starts with you—your energy, your clarity, and your relationships. By choosing what shapes you and how you show up, you create the kind of influence that builds others up and leaves a lasting impact.

So start your influence here. Start with yourself. Then, pay it forward.

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Hey there! I’m Blair Bloomston, author of UPLIFTED WEEKLY and your friendly consultant, facilitator, and game-based educator on-call, bringing a passion and penchant for all things play (I’m also alliteratively all-in). As the founder of Leaders Uplifted, I help leaders like you tap into creativity, connection, and confidence to make work feel less like a grind and more like a game. Keep reading with me— I’m here to be your business best friend. Let's go!