This series is strictly for leaders, influencers, creators and those who wield some kind of influence. It is pertinent that I write to you now because of the collateral damage I observe on the corridor of influence. Influence is a rare currency that must be dispensed with fear and absolute consciousness. It looked like some leaders have hacked influence, they push out content, roll out programs, increase their visibility and boom! People queue on their platforms, fill their church, and populate their events and communities. These people are not just people. That following is not just a number, every following represents trust. They watch your movies, read your books, listen to your sermon, tune in to your podcast, subscribe to your Youtube channel, attend your training, register for your masterclass, vibe to your music, like your social media posts, patronise for your business, campaign for your candidate, enjoy your art etc .
Some do more! They love to listen to you, follow you and trust your recommendations. If you recommend a product or a candidate they will go to the poll without asking you questions. You could suggest a get away location and they will also visit. The brands you choose automatically become their choice. You could start a cause and they will give their last penny to support you. Your teachings and admonition become their law. This is the stage when influence becomes really powerful and dangerous. This is what I call the leadership privilege. Most people misuse this influence.
Leadership influence must never be used for SELF
I know you have needs like every other person out there. You are doing the tough job of service but you are not getting the right attention and reward. You are giving your time and it is only fair that you benefit somehow. I understand, but you must never use the influence that leadership gives you for selfish interest.
Something happened recently. Two actors in the Nollywood industry decided to support a political candidate to win an election. They used their platform, popularity and fame to canvas people BECAUSE of what they would gain, monetary and otherwise.They came up with different kinds of mantra to back up their intent. Nothing is wrong with this until they came out to say the politician didn't pay them what they agreed. This is abusive. Social media influencers, religious leaders, speakers, coaches do this. People sleep with those who trust them against their will, break their homes, destroy their marriages, loot their savings, blackmail them emotionally, dupe them of large sums of money, subject them to bodily harm and abuse etc
You cannot turn those who love and trust you to a collateral for your selfish gain. The influence that your presence, voice, gifts, service generates must be used to better, improve, guide and lead those who yield themselves to you. It is not cheap.
As you continue to serve, help, guide, teach, whatever you do for people, the heart of your followers, team will be endeared to you, they will open up to you on very sensitive issues that no one knows. They will follow you without thinking twice, not because they are stupid but because they have come to trust and respect you, they will take your word, embrace your instruction, not because they are dull-witted, it’s because they love you.
I have had this privilege in my close to two decades leadership experience. People have opened up to me on very sensitive relationships, investment, career, health, family and life issues. They have trusted me with their vulnerabilities and I have NEVER taken advantage of that trust or use it on myself not for once by God’s Grace. I am not saying you will not be tempted, I am saying that you must commit to this principle if you want to be successful as a leader. I have been exposed to money and women just for expressing my talent and for stepping up in leadership. Love is trust. Influence is a privilege. It must never be used for selfish purposes. You must be willing to put yourself last and others first. They are the reason you have the platform.
When people submit their unanimous commitment to you, you must never spend that devotion on yourself, it’s for a bigger purpose, to guide and lead them in the right way, to galvanize them to prosperity, and inspire them to great ideals.
Love is a significant brick in leadership, it is to guide, lead, inspire, correct, and to establish. Be in awe of this privilege to be loved and respected as a leader. Don't joke or mess with it.
Huge apologies, my promised session ’How to Share Your Gift Profitably and Effectively’ has been postponed, I will communicate the new date with you soon.
I’d love to read your feedback in the comments. Please share if its worth your time. Have a blessed week and breakthrough from within.
©Abiola Iyiola, 2025
Thank you for this piece, coach, it's a privilege to be in your community
I wish a lot of leaders will read this piece and act accordingly. Thank you sir. I am sharing right away.