influence – Nathan Magnuson

One Critical Component to Leading Change

I had two separate experiences with leading change recently that demonstrate one critical aspect that is often the difference between success and failure. Let me share the two scenarios – see if you can guess what it is. Of course, I’ll share it as well. Scenario #1: Recently I was…

All Hands on Deck Leadership

April 12, 2021 Personal Effectiveness

Who’s the real leader around here? It used to be that the leaders were the people in charge. As long as they did a good job, all was well. When they stumbled, the organization suffered until an adequate replacement could be found. That type of leadership doesn’t work any longer.…

Be Known Positively

March 7, 2016 Influence Personal Effectiveness

Recently I shared 9 Leadership themes for the new year, including this one: be known positively. I’m realizing this particular theme is harder that it seems. But that doesn’t change the fact that you and I are largely responsible for our public perception. So how can we build positive interactions and relationships with…

12 Ways to Make Your Teammates Look Good

February 15, 2016 Influence Organizational Effectiveness Personal Effectiveness

In the past, I’ve shared the value of being a “Kamerman teammate” – that is, going the extra mile to make your teammate look good. It’s a mindset shift for most of us, and a complete game-changer at that. I’d like to take this concept a step further and share some practical ways to…

Be a Millenial Who Shines at Work

October 5, 2015 Influence Personal Effectiveness

2015 was a big year for Millenials. According to Pew Research Center, Millenials became the largest generation in the U.S. workforce in 2015. I recently shared my thoughts on Eric Jacobson’s leadership website about how managers can engage their Millenial employees. What I’d like to do next is share how…

How to Influence When You’re Not in Charge

September 7, 2015 Influence Organizational Effectiveness Personal Effectiveness

How do you lead when you’re not the boss? It’s hard enough to lead when you are in charge. What are the other options? If you’ve wondered this, I’ve got good news for you. It’s a lot easier than it sounds. And you can get started today. Here’s a game…

Who All Gets to Be a Leader?

December 1, 2014 Change Influence Leadership Organizational Effectiveness Personal Effectiveness

Who gets to be a leader? From time to time, I hear an someone admonish a group of individuals by saying “you are all leaders.” Other times, I see organizational messaging indicating “leadership” is reserved for a small group of individuals who occupy certain positions. Which is it? Are we all leaders,…

Is Leadership Easy or Difficult?

November 3, 2014 Leadership Organizational Effectiveness perspective

One of the things that disappoints me the most is hearing someone tell me they don’t want to be a leader. It’s unfortunate because I believe that everyone not only has the ability to be leader but also the responsibility to make a leadership contribution in the role they are in. But…

What Young Professionals Need to Know About Leadership

June 16, 2014 Influence Inspiration Leadership Personal Effectiveness Young Professionals

I recently got the chance speak to several college and high school student groups about leadership. It reminded me of my college experience when the subject of leadership really clicked with me for the first time. As always, our future rests on the ability of the next generation to lead well. So…

Caps for Sale (and the Art of Influence)

June 2, 2014 Influence Inspiration Personal Effectiveness

“How do you get someone to push you?” I was taking a wrestling class as a kid and that was the question the coach posed as he demonstrated a new move. “You push him first. Then he’ll want to push back and you can use his momentum to your advantage.”…

What I Learned at Leadercast 2014

May 19, 2014 Inspiration Leadership

For the third year in a row I had the pleasure of attending the Leadercast leadership seminar at a local simulcast location. This year I attended in Daytona Beach, FL with about 80 other local leaders. The event was fantastic, as usual. I don’t get to attend as many leadership…

Leadership Myth: You Need a Title to Be a Leader

April 7, 2014 Influence Leadership Leadership Myths

Truth: Leadership is about influence, not position. Leadership is about one thing and one thing only: influence. Leaders use the influence they have to create positive change. The more positive change, the more influence. Go into any corporate boardroom, military garrison or government building and you’re bound to find someone…