Influence (1)

“Grandpops! Come on…it’s time for our leadership talk,” Pantomath used his two talons to pull at his grandfather’s large ones. “You promised we'll start immediately after dinner and it’s now over an hour.”

Candowl grinned. “You are keen aren’t you?”

Pantomath nodded. He wanted to get him away before his cousins noticed. They had been pestering him about what he and Grandpops do every evening after dinner.

“Okay, let’s go and get a breath of fresh air.”

After settling in their favourite spot, Pantomath turned to Grandpops with eager anticipation. “You said you’ll teach me about how to influence,” he flapped his talons up and down with excitement.

Grandpops gave an owl chuckled. “Not just to influence but do it in a way that transforms life positively. There are two ways to influence in a transformative way. The first one we are going to talk about today is using the skill of your hand.” He paused and breathe in deeply before continuing.

 “Let me tell you the story of a young man who changed the world through personal and business computing. In 1975, Gates and Paul Allen co-founded Microsoft, which became the world's largest PC software company. Gates is currently the wealthiest person in the world with a net worth of US$78.3 billion as of August 2016. Bill Gates was not the first born in his family - he was a middle child. He took an interest in computer programming at a young age -13 and devoted time to feed his interest, learning and improving all the time. He enrolled in Harvard but spent only a year. He dropped out to start his own business. The rest as it's said is history. What can you learn from this Pantomath?"

What a fascinating story, Pantomath taught. 

“Hmm...Well, he had a passion for computer programming,” he said.

“Yes?” Grandpops prompted.

“He discovered what really interested him and also that he was good at it. He spent a lot of time on computers doing programming."

Grandpop nodded. “He worked hard on his passion.”

“He knew what he wanted...?” Owlet asked hesitantly.

Grand pop remained silent. “...Err, well he did drop out of Harvard to start his own computer business. But you are right. He had a vision. He saw how computers could change the way people do businesses. And that it could be used in homes as well...Anything else?”

“Well, I guess he must have worked very hard to be ranked the richest man many times.”

“Yes, he worked very hard. A leader who wants to transform lives cannot be lazy. It takes hard work over many years.”

After a pause, Grandpops asked. “Why did you think he became so successful? Apart from working hard.”

“Hmm... Everyone uses computers now. Even cousin Difuminado got a computer with Microsoft Windows on it. And we use Windows as well on all our computers in school,” said Pantomath in amazement.

“Yes. As a leader, it’s not just creating a need but also producing something that is very good. Your product must stand out from other competition. Even if you are not developing a product but providing a service, you must do it very well that people will want your service and not someone else’s.”

“Microsoft has competition now, don't they?”

“Yes, but they are still leaders in the world of business and personal computing. And that makes Bill Gate a transformative leader. What he developed has transformed this generation. He can speak with credibility at various forums. Many people want to be like him.”

“Ha, so he is a leader not because he was the first born, or had a position but because of what he developed that has changed the world of computing.”

“Yes, my dear, he is a leader by the skill of his hand - his work.”

“You said two types, Grandpops. What about the other one?”

“Patience, my dear. Now I want you to go and read about a man called Nelson Mandela, a woman called Mother Theresa and a man called Mahatma Ghandi.”

©WCLI