The Law of Influence: Leadership is Measured by Impact, Not by Title

Part Three in an On-going Series on School Leadership

Ask any student, teacher, or administrator what makes a great school, and you’ll likely hear answers about culture, engagement, and a shared commitment to learning. But what truly drives these elements? Leadership.

In The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John Maxwell’s Law of Influence states:

"The true measure of leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less."

This means that leadership isn’t about titles, authority, or job descriptions. You don’t automatically become a leader just because you’re a principal, superintendent, or department head. Leadership is about influence—your ability to inspire, guide, and positively impact those around you.

Why Influence Matters in Schools

In education, leadership by influence is far more powerful than leadership by position. A principal may have the authority to implement policies, but if they don’t have the trust and respect of their staff, those policies will fall flat. A teacher may have the knowledge to teach, but if they don’t build strong relationships with students, engagement will suffer.

Consider these two types of school leaders:

• A Title-Driven Leader (Low Influence, High Authority)

  • Relies on rules and mandates rather than relationships.

  • Struggles to get buy-in from teachers and staff.

  • Creates an environment where people comply out of obligation, not passion.

  • Fails to inspire innovation or lasting change.

• An Influence-Driven Leader (High Influence, High Authority)

  • Gains trust and credibility by modeling excellence.

  • Leads with empathy, listening to and valuing input from staff.

  • Fosters a school culture of collaboration, motivation, and shared purpose.

  • Inspires teachers to take risks, innovate, and grow.

    
    

The key difference? People follow influential leaders because they want to—not because they have to.

How Educational Leaders Build Influence

If influence is the true currency of leadership, how do school leaders earn it? Here are five ways to build lasting influence in your school:

1. Lead by Example

Influence starts with action. If you want teachers to prioritize student engagement, model it in your interactions. If you want a culture of positivity, demonstrate it in your daily leadership. People follow what they see more than what they’re told.

2. Build Meaningful Relationships

Influence is rooted in trust. Take time to connect with teachers, staff, and students beyond work-related tasks. A simple “How are you?” or a genuine conversation goes a long way in earning respect and loyalty.

3. Serve, Don’t Dictate

Great leaders don’t command from the top; they serve from within. Support teachers by removing obstacles, providing resources, and advocating for their needs. When people see that you prioritize their success, they will follow you willingly.

4. Communicate with Clarity and Vision

A leader with influence doesn’t just give instructions—they provide a compelling why. Clearly articulate the vision for your school and show how every decision connects to student success. When teachers and staff understand the purpose behind their work, motivation follows.

5. Empower Others to Lead

True influence is not about control—it’s about multiplication. Encourage teacher leadership by giving educators autonomy, supporting professional development, and trusting them to innovate. The more leaders you develop, the stronger your school becomes.

Final Thoughts

The Law of Influence reminds us that leadership is not about demanding change—it’s about inspiring it. If you want to create a thriving school culture, focus on building influence through trust, service, and example. When teachers and students follow your leadership because they believe in you, not just because they have to, you’ll know you’re leading the right way.

So, here’s the real question to consider: Are you leading with influence, or authority?