Influence: How Do You Define It?
In an industry where every day we try to inspire groups to action, influence is the Holy Grail, but how do we best define it? Is there one definition that fits all circumstances? Or is it more of a case-by-case basis? How do you measure it? A panel led by Saul Colt (of freshbooks) attempted to demystify and answer these questions and more to paint a better, more complete definition for influence.
The discussion between panelists was fantastic. They took stands, made provocative statements, built upon each other’s answers, and validated much of my thinking.
But, the most interesting segment of the conversation occurred when panelists unanimously panned Fast Company’s “Influence Project” as counter-productive. They claimed the project was nothing more than a popularity contest that disrupted the relationship between influencer and audience. All of this happened, I might add, with Fast Company’s lead editor on the project in the room.
Each panelist listed their gripes and offered up improvements while the editor bolstered mediocre responses, and in some cases apologized.
It was a missed opportunity.
If influence at its broadest is defined upon how much an individual or group can inspire others to action, and Fast Company’s experiment got the cream of the proverbial “influencer” crop to change their conversations to solicit votes, then shouldn’t they name themselves the most influential?
At the very least, it would’ve provided them with interesting editorial content.
At its best? They become even more influential.
So what do you think? Let’s continue the conversation on twitter @dfcbfirestarter or within the comments of the post on fire-starters.tumblr.com
