Create an Influence Plan

When I began to do the research for this study, it was almost out of desperation. You see, I’ve never been the world’s greatest influencer. One of the reasons for that, I’ve come to understand, is because I had never studied the many Biblical approaches to doing this right—to getting good and godly results by using good and godly methods.

Admittedly, I’m still not the world’s greatest influencer. There are still a lot of people God’s entrusted to me whom I’d like to influence for His purposes. And there are still countless situations where I’d like to see change, but where I’ve had limited success.

I’m making progress, though, in part because I’ve delved deeply into the Biblical art of influence, in part because I’ve been practicing these techniques and building my skills, and in part because for the first time in my life I have a tool that’s equipping me to think through the menu of options at my disposal in any influence situation.

That tool is the “Influence Planning Worksheet” that you’ll find below. I’ve used it on a number of occasions, as have many of my MBA students, and it’s provided a plethora of good ideas for us—ideas that would have never been spawned without the tool. It’s also served as a useful guardrail to avoid counter-Biblical approaches to persuasion, and as an essential reminder that we’re to co-labor with God throughout this process (Principle 1 of this study), rather than going at it alone.

Let me encourage you to use this Worksheet as well. Consider using it whenever you find yourself with a significant influence challenge. Spending a few minutes with each of fifteen questions may generate the one idea you need to change everything in that situation. And frankly, a lot of times it will take only one fresh idea to achieve real change, real transformation.

Download the Influence Planning Worksheet