Highly influential people generally have the following characteristics:

  1. Character – they lead by example
  2. Expertise – they know their stuff and are great at what they do
  3. Connector – they value relationships and are great networkers who love serving as a resource and referring others
  4. Collaborator – they know how to negotiate and compromise to get things done
  5. Stakeholder agility – they know who their key allies, customers and adversaries are and work those relationships accordingly
  6. Communicator – they adjust their style to their audience; they show empathy and are great listeners
  7. Cause – they are clear on their vision and mission and can enlist others to care about them as well.