Who is ready for Part 2 of this series? If you haven’t read the first part yet, you can find that here. Let’s get into it!

Take Initiative and Pick Up The Slack

Be someone who is willing to pitch in. If you are at home and a bunch of siblings are sick and they need someone to wash the dishes, be the person to step in and make it happen. If something needs doing, jump in and help get it done. No task is too small. Being known for being a go-getter and someone who picks up the slack is an awesome thing. It instills people with confidence in your ability and gives you street cred with your siblings or co-workers because they know that you have their back. 

Baked Goods Will Take You Far

LOL! This is kinda sorta a joke. If baking isn’t your thing, that’s totally fine. Any small act of kindness can really brighten someones day. You could even bring in donuts. I’ve come to learn that hardworking people really enjoy getting a homemade treat every now and again. I have had the opportunity to make muffins and bring them in to work once every few weeks and people love it. Most full-timers are running morning to night and don’t have the time to cook or bake, so giving something special like this is a great way to show that you care. 

Ask How You Can Do Better

When we get in our groove of doing things, we often forget that something we do might be affecting others and that just because we have always done it this way, doesn’t mean that it is the right way. Even if it is a small thing. People probably won’t tell you that they hate the way you paperclip something together and that they would rather use staples unless you ask them. LOL! It’s a small change, but it makes them feel like you care enough to do it the right way and make sure that you are doing it in a way they prefer. I like to do this at work every few months, but honestly, this can be applied to relationships. I recently asked my sister because I noticed she might be feeling a little hurt about something, and I was surprised to realize that certain things I was completely oblivious to made her feel left out and that she missed me. I am so glad we had that conversation and after crying and hugging it out, I now know what I can try to do better and make her feel more included and loved on. Never underestimate the power of asking someone how you can be a better sister, daughter, employee, etc. 

Respond As Soon As Possible

Don’t leave people hanging. Respond in as timely a fashion as you can. Not only is this professional in a business setting, it really sets your friends and siblings at ease. Obviously you might forget, and that’s fine, but it goes a long way if instead of putting something off until later, you are willing to respond sooner. 

Pray For Others

People can be nervous about this. I know I was when I was younger, but I have come to realize that this can be an incredibly simple way to express the Father’s love to those around you. I have had the opportunity to pray with several of my co-workers over the years and even strangers. Taking that step of faith is hard, I’m not going to lie. But God honors that and He will give you the words to say in the proper time. I have seen grown men moved to tears because someone followed through on the prompting to pray for them. God moves in mysterious ways. Don’t be afraid to step out and extend that loving hand to them. Honestly, I’ve walked away feeling just as blessed as they did in most circumstances. 

Be True To Yourself

I don’t mean this in a wishy-washy sort of way or in the worldly sense that everyone is always talking about. But God made you super unique. Don’t ever feel like you need to change yourself or suppress parts of your personality just to fit in. One of the most memorable and heartwarming experiences of my life was when I left my last job, a co-worker lovingly stumbled through the words as she tried to tell me that she really appreciated that through my work experience I had stayed Victoria and that I had always been true to my convictions and my beliefs and my personality. She said that she loved that I had been graceful through the entire experience and that I didn’t feel the need to change one bit. Having a woman quite a bit older than me tell me that I inspired them blows me over. And I just want to add that this isn’t something that I did all on my own. By the grace of God I have stood true to who He has created me over the years. But girls, it’s worth it. The you that God created is so much more amazing than any other you that you could create. 🙂

Make Yourself Available

Make it known that you are willing and able to pitch in. If you don’t have anything to do, instead of sitting in your office playing on your phone, go ask others around you or your bosses if there is anything you can help them with. If I’m home, (I don’t always do this but I’m working on it) I like to make myself available to my parents or siblings. To let them know I can help out if they need something. “Just let me know if you need anything.” People will love you for this and it will be a huge blessing to those around you. 

There you have it! My list of ways to Make Friends and Influence People. What are some things that you would add? Did you enjoy this post?

Blessings,