The Power of Influence | Shawn King | TEDxDalhousieU

Summary

The speaker reflects on the power of influence, starting from childhood memories of parental advice that unexpectedly shaped his life. As an adult, he recognizes the impact of his behavior in both personal and professional settings, sharing anecdotes that highlight how attitudes and actions can significantly affect outcomes. He emphasizes the potential for positive influence, urging the audience to harness this power for good.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker fondly recalls childhood memories of cliché phrases parents used, reflecting on their lasting impact.
• 🕰 The importance of punctuality and following through on commitments were key life lessons the speaker's parents instilled in him.
• 🤝 He emphasizes the power of being easy and pleasant to work with, which contributed to his successful career in an agency.
• 💡 The speaker discovered the significant influence one can have on others, especially in a leadership position.
• 🌧️ A bad mood can negatively affect team morale and work dynamics, as experienced by the speaker during a leadership role.
• 🤔 The concept of considering multiple perspectives in a situation can lead to better outcomes and understanding.
• 🔄 The speaker highlights the need for self-awareness in recognizing one's role in group dynamics and how it can change interactions.
• 👂 Listening and responding empathetically to a client's concerns can transform a negative situation into a positive one.
• 👨‍👦 The speaker's advice to a young man had a profound impact, showing the long-term influence one can have on others.
• 🚶‍♂️ The power of influence can be both positive and negative, as demonstrated by the speaker's personal experiences.
• 🏆 The speaker's participation in 'The Amazing Race' and the subsequent events taught him about the impact of others on his own emotions and outlook on life.

Q & A

What was the speaker's age when he was standing in line at the grocery store with friends?

The speaker was probably about 15 years old at that time.

Why were the speaker and his friends laughing at the grocery store?

They were laughing at the cliché things their parents used to say to them as they were growing up.

What was one of the cliché phrases the speaker's parents used to say?

One of the cliché phrases was 'Do as I say, not as I do.'

What is the speaker's profession now?

The speaker is now the owner of an agency.

What was the speaker's first job at the agency?

The speaker's first job at the agency was as a production artist.

How did the speaker decide to differentiate himself from the other production artists?

The speaker decided to be fast and pleasant to work with, aiming to make people enjoy the process of working with him.

What was the impact of the speaker's approach to work on his career?

His approach led to him becoming the owner of the agency 25 years later.

What was the speaker's realization about his influence on others?

The speaker realized that his mood and behavior could significantly impact others, either positively or negatively.

What is the 'three perspectives' theory mentioned by the speaker?

The 'three perspectives' theory refers to the idea that in any dynamic, there are typically three perspectives involved: your own, the other person's, and the outside perspective.

How did the speaker's interaction with a client's son influence the young man's life?

The speaker's advice during a meeting had a significant impact on the young man, as evidenced by a card and gift he sent the speaker years later.

What was the speaker's experience on 'The Amazing Race'?

The speaker dislocated his shoulder during a challenge, which led to his elimination from the race. However, his participation had a positive impact on some viewers.

What advice does the speaker have for parents regarding the influence they have on their children?

The speaker advises parents to keep expressing their beliefs and values, as something will eventually stick with their children, even if they don't seem to be listening.