Power of Positive Influence

Oftentimes, we do not realize the strength and the depth our positive, stern influence can have on others.

I was reminded of this by a hilarious story from my former VP. I worked at a non-profit organization whose mission is to develop minority youth for college internships into major corporations. Our goal was to help launch them towards being professionals in the business sector while becoming great community leaders.

She told us of an incident in which we were hosting a national conference for the Interns at a four-star hotel. They had a very strict dress code and were to be professional at all times.

While she was in the hotel lobby chaperoning, she saw a young man come off the elevator and approach the front desk…in sweatpants that were sagging and shirtless! She was horrified!

She loudly and firmly said, “Young Man?” He looked around and then at her as if to ask “Me?”

She said, “Yes, You! Come here right now!”

The young man approached her. She scolded, “Have you lost your mind coming to this lobby looking like this!” Again, he was in shock as he stared at her.

She continued her staunch reprimand, “We are going to represent ourselves professionally, do you understand me? Now get yourself upstairs this very instant and come back down here looking like you have some sense! Go Now!”

The young man replied, “Yes, Ma’am,” still in a state of utter confusion. He gently backed away and entered the elevator.

She waited…fuming…appalled that this could occur…preparing a firm reprimand for his Advisor.

The young man came down a few minutes later, with a shirt & pants on, looking very presentable. He quietly approached her for her approval.

She was elated! She praised him, “Now this is much better. I am very proud of you. Remember to always make sure you represent yourself in a way that others take you seriously, O.K.?”  He quietly replied, “Yes, Ma’am,” as he went on his original task of going to the front desk.

As he left, one of the Advisors approached her. She stated, “How could you let this Intern come down here with sagging sweatpants and no shirt on! I sent him back upstairs to change!” She pointed to the young man at the front desk, still watching her cautiously.

The Advisor looked at the young man and replied, “Yes, we have to be diligent since there is a collegiate basketball team staying here as well.”

The VP said, “I am talking about our Interns…like him!” She nods toward the young man.

The Advisor erupts in laughter and informs the VP…he is NOT one of our Interns! J

As the VP stands in shock, the young man still looks at her as he quietly re-enters the elevator...

The power of our influence is mentioned often in the Bible:

Matthew 5:16 (NKJV): “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Psalm 40:10 (NKJV): “I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth From the great assembly.”

1 Timothy 4:12 (NKJV): “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

Psalm 25:21 (NKJV): “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You.”

This proves that we can all positively influence and have a major impact on others, especially our youth. J