Written by: Hermann du Plessis
Article source: Supplied
“Authority can make people comply. Influence makes them commit.”
— Lead With Intent, Chapter 2
In today’s fast-paced world, we’ve seen a long-standing pattern in leadership—one where authority is used to demand compliance rather than inspire commitment. Whether in corporate boardrooms, ministries, schools, or communities, many leaders still believe power lies in titles and positions. But after more than two decades of coaching leaders across industries and continents, I’ve learned this truth: the most transformational leaders don’t lead with control—they lead with intent, through consistent, values-driven influence. True leadership is not about how many people report to you. It’s about how many people trust you enough to follow your example.
THE SHIFT FROM CONTROL TO COMMITMENT
There’s a saying I often share in my training sessions: “Control gets obedience. Influence gets excellence.” You can tell someone to follow a rule, and they might do it. But if you inspire them to believe in the purpose behind the rule? That’s where magic happens. This is the essence of servant leadership—the ability to lead with influence rooted in integrity. In Scripture, Jesus never clung to a title. In fact, Philippians 2 tells us that He “did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage.” Instead, He emptied Himself. And yet—He had more influence than any leader in history.
“Servant leaders choose to serve rather than be served. Once the focus moves away from the leader’s needs, leadership becomes intentionally focused on the constituencies the leader serves.”
— Lead With Intent, Chapter 2
POWER, POSITION AND THE CHRISTIAN LEADER
There’s a very real temptation in leadership to believe your title validates you. I’ve seen this in executives, pastors, even parents. But the greatest leaders I know understand that power is a tool, not an identity.
I remember working with a large SA retail group. One regional manager, let’s call him Jabu, had the lowest performing team in the country. He had the authority—but no one followed him willingly. His team was demotivated, disengaged, and disconnected.
After introducing the principles of Lead With Intent, Jabu made a shift. He started asking questions rather than giving orders. He began weekly feedback loops. He admitted when he was wrong.
Twelve months later, his region moved from bottom 10% to top 15% in performance metrics. Not because he became more forceful, but because he chose influence over authority. His team wasn’t afraid of him anymore—they respected him.
VULNERABILITY IS NOT WEAKNESS
“The strongest leaders I’ve met are the ones who admit when they don’t know.”
— Lead With Intent, Chapter 3
We live in a culture where many still associate leadership with invincibility. But in my experience, vulnerability is one of the most powerful leadership tools available.
Here in South Africa, where historical wounds and cultural divides still shape our workplaces, vulnerability builds bridges. When a leader says, “Help me understand,” or “I need your perspective,” it sends a powerful message: “I see you. I value you. You matter.”
Jesus Himself modeled this. In John 11, when His friend Lazarus died, Jesus wept. The King of Heaven, crying publicly. Vulnerability draws people in. It invites participation. It opens the door for real connection—and real influence.
LEADERSHIP THAT TRANSCENDS THE BOARDROOM
One of the most humbling things readers tell me is this:
“I thought this was a business book. But it’s changed how I lead my family.”
Influence isn’t limited to titles. Whether you’re a CEO or a community organiser, a mother or a mentor, you are a leader if someone looks to you for guidance. That means your influence is your most sacred responsibility.
I’ve coached hundreds of senior managers who thought leading meant “being in charge.” But the real question I challenge them with is: “What would your team say you’re like when you’re not in the room?” That’s influence. That’s legacy.
THREE QUESTIONS TO TEST YOUR LEADERSHIP INFLUENCE
If you want to move from positional authority to meaningful influence, ask yourself:
- Do people bring me bad news without fear?
If not, they’re afraid of your power—not drawn to your leadership. - Do I ask more questions than I give answers?
Influence is earned by those who listen well. - Would people still follow me if I had no title?
This is the real measure of servant leadership.
WHY THIS MATTERS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Our country needs leaders who listen before they instruct, who seek understanding before being understood. In a workplace scarred by inequality, silence, and silo thinking, leaders who lead with influence—not intimidation—are catalysts for healing.
We’ve seen it work. At Themba Thandeka Leadership Institute (TTLI), we’ve implemented this model across industries—from mining to finance, from education to public sector. The result? Measurable increases in staff engagement, retention, and performance.
“Adopting and implementing the nine leadership practices outlined in this book will deliver the most potent competitive advantage you could wish for—inspired, fully engaged, and motivated people.”
— Brand Pretorius, former Chief Executive, McCarthy Ltd
THE SPIRITUAL DIMENSION OF INFLUENCE
The way you lead shapes someone’s confidence, their courage, even their sense of calling.
In Lead With Intent, I write:
“Spiritual leadership is where a leader believes their position is gifted to them by God. That they are stewards of the potential placed under their influence.”
When we view leadership this way, we understand that it’s not about what we can extract from people, but about what we can cultivate within them.
INFLUENCE IN ACTION: JESUS’ MODEL
Jesus had no army. No political power. No earthly wealth. And yet, His influence has shaped billions. Why? Because He led with love, purpose, and clarity.
He invited, rather than imposed. He asked, “Who do you say I am?” not, “Do you know who I am?” And when He did speak with authority, it was truth that set people free—not fear that kept them captive.
This is the model we are called to follow.
FINAL THOUGHT: DON’T SETTLE FOR POWER WHEN YOU COULD HAVE INFLUENCE
In the end, leadership that relies solely on power will always have a shelf life. But influence? That echoes long after you’ve left the room.
So here’s my encouragement to you: Wherever you lead—lead with intent. Lead with love. And remember, you have nothing to prove when you know you are called to serve.
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Date published: 26/05/2025
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only.
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