𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻’𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗴?™️ 𝗔 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗢𝗢

Influence: Handle With Care

My pastor said something on Sunday that’s still sitting with me:
Think of your influence as an assignment, not an achievement.

Whew.

One of my top five CliftonStrengths is Woo—winning others over. And if I’m honest, this strength has given me favor/influence in every role I’ve held. Leaders above me on the org chart have often given me access, trust, and voice. In fact, a community partner once remarked, “Jen, you’ve got the keys to the kingdom in your role.”

I’ve always tried to steward that influence with intention, because treating it casually or arrogantly could carry negative consequences - for me or for the people connected to me.

So the question becomes: What do we do with the WOO?
What do we do with the quiet power of influencing outcomes, shaping decisions, and moving people—even when we don’t hold the highest title?

Here’s what I’m learning:

➡️ Influence is a responsibility. It’s not about who notices you; it’s about who is lifted because of you.
➡️ Favor is for service. If the access only benefits me, then I’ve missed the assignment.
➡️ Leadership without authority still requires integrity. Sometimes how we use our voice matters more than how loudly we use it.
➡️ Influence is the inheritance. Someone’s breakthrough, someone’s clarity, someone’s next step might be tied to how I choose to show up.

Those of us with the gift of influence have a quiet superpower. Not for spotlight. Not for ego. Not for leverage.

Our gifts are for a purpose greater than our own reflections or résumés.
We are, and always will be, accountable for the way we steward influence.

💡What’s the strength you’re learning to carry with intention these days?

#WhatsInBrownsBag #StrengthsBasedLeadership #WooWithWisdom #CliftonStrengths