The Power of Influence and Delegation in Leadership

The Struggle of a Young Supervisor

Jake was a talented young supervisor at a small business, eager to prove himself as a leader. He quickly learned that delegation was essential to keeping things running smoothly. Every day, he assigned tasks, followed up on deadlines, and ensured his team stayed on track. But despite his best efforts, his employees were exhausted, frustrated, and disengaged.

Jake couldn’t understand it. He was doing everything right—breaking down tasks, setting expectations, and making sure work got done—but morale was low, and turnover was rising. What was missing?

It wasn’t until a mentor pulled Jake aside that he realized the truth: Delegation without influence leads to burnout and resentment.

How to Be an Influential Leader: Understanding Influence vs. Delegation

Delegation and influence are often used interchangeably, but they are very different concepts:

✅ Delegation is about assigning tasks and ensuring work gets completed. It focuses on efficiency, accountability, and time management.

✅ Influence is about inspiring people to take ownership of their roles. It fosters engagement, motivation, and a shared sense of purpose.

When leaders only delegate, employees may complete tasks out of obligation, not engagement. But when leaders use influence alongside delegation, employees feel a personal commitment to their work.

Jake’s Leadership Transformation

After realizing his approach was missing influence, Jake made three key changes:

1. He Started Communicating the ‘Why’ – Instead of just telling his team what to do, he helped them understand why their work mattered. When employees saw how their tasks contributed to the company’s success, they became more invested.
2. He Built Real Relationships – Jake took time to connect with his team, listen to their concerns, and support their growth. He realized influence isn’t about control—it’s about trust.
3. He Encouraged Ownership – Instead of micromanaging, Jake gave his team more autonomy. He trusted them to make decisions, solve problems, and take initiative, which boosted morale and engagement.

The result? His team became more motivated, productivity increased, and burnout disappeared. Delegation became easier because his team already knew what to do and why to do it—thanks to his influence.

The Power of Influence with Delegation

When influence and delegation work together, the results are transformational. Leaders who master both create an environment where:

• Employees take initiative without constant oversight.
• Teams are more engaged, productive, and innovative.
• Work gets done efficiently without the leader feeling overburdened.

How to Grow Your Influence as a Leader

Want to develop stronger influence in your leadership? Here are four practical steps:

1. Lead by Example – People don’t follow titles; they follow actions. Demonstrate the behaviors and work ethic you want to see in your team.
2. Communicate Vision and Purpose – Employees need more than tasks; they need a mission. Help them understand how their work contributes to the bigger picture.
3. Build Trust Through Consistency – Influence is built over time. Show up consistently, be transparent, and keep your promises.
4. Empower Your Team – Give employees autonomy, encourage decision-making, and support their professional growth.

Why Influence Matters: Quotes & Stats

📊 According to Gallup, organizations with highly engaged teams experience a 21% increase in profitability.

📖 “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek

📖 “The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.” – Ken Blanchard

Ready to Strengthen Your Leadership Influence?

Terry Porter is an Executive Life Coach. Working with clients to clarify and pursue their life dreams.

If you’re struggling with team engagement, high turnover, or feeling like you’re constantly micromanaging, it’s time to focus on building influence in your leadership.

📅 Book a FREE leadership consultation today and learn how to master influence and delegation to transform your team and grow your business.

📞 Call/Text: 231-499-9069
📧 Email: [email protected]