He had just become Vice President.
Corner office. New title. Big expectations.
But then he said something that hit me:
“When I speak in meetings, people nod — but nothing happens.”
“Last week, a Program Lead spoke — and things moved instantly.”
Same room. Same topic. Different impact.
One had the title.
The other had influence.
Here’s the truth most won’t say out loud:
A title gives you authority. Influence gives you leadership.
Authority makes people comply.
Influence makes people commit.
I’ve seen it:
→ VPs whose teams avoid involving them
→ Directors whose ideas die in threads
→ Managers leading by reminders, not respect
They have the position, but no pull.
Why?
Because titles open doors. Influence moves rooms.
Ask yourself:
→ People seek your perspective (or avoid it)
→ Your ideas move things (or die in email)
→ Others amplify your voice (or forget you spoke)
Real influence shows up quietly:
→ “Let me check with you” — even though you’re not their manager
→ Your emails get responses, not silence
→ People quote you in meetings you’re not in
→ Teams want you involved, regardless of your title
The painful gap: You worked hard for that title. But the title didn’t change how people respond — did it?
The wake-up call:
→ If you lost your title tomorrow, would people still listen?
→ Do people follow you because they have to, or because they want to?
→ Are you leading through authority or through impact?
The shift:
Don’t aim to be respected for your title. Aim to be remembered for your influence.
—
Ready to be remembered for your influence, not your title? → https://24x7coach.com/rise/
#Leadership #ExecutiveCoaching #24x7coach #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerGrowth