Recently I received a unique consultant-based information-piece requesting that I apply to become a “Civic Influencer”?!  First I have to admit that I had never heard these terms connected before…nor have I found myself in a professional situation that involved the discussion of this type of activity,  So as I briefly researched the group that was recruiting applicants to become Civic Influencers… I began to better understand their purpose, processes and goals.  And yes as you can guess I almost instantly thought about “Influencers” as the next high-quality TRIPLE III TIME topic!

This week consider The Role of Professional Development Influencers in your world-of-work and the occupational network you maintain.  Do they support being organized… participation in continuous learning… and advocate/promote causes that represent you and what YOU stand for?  As you think about answers to these issues, check out this TOP 10 Influencer personal priorities as helpful guidelines.

GREAT Professional Development Influencers should:

1. Speak when they know…not because they think they know the answer.
2. Allow for and encourage questions regarding their own positions on issues.
3. Encourage all forms of continuous learning/educational pursuits.
4. Dress “like-they-mean-it” because it matters.
5. Recognize with praise…better problem solutions and explain that a perfect solution never exists.
6. Not discredit or speak badly of other Influencers.
7. Try to offer authentic and special influences…not just regular “off-the-shelf” options.
8. Support the strengths someone has…not an effort to try and be “everything-to everyone”.
9. Suggest positive influences in progressive pieces…not too much too often.
10. Be consistent in their commitments to being professionally organized, a continuous learner and true to the principles they promote.

Are YOU a GREAT Professional Development Influencer?  Do you surround yourself with high-quality Professional Development Influencers?  Maybe taking stock of and assessing YOUR Influencer impacts is an important NOW/TODAY exercise!