Understanding How Influence Is Built ~ David Meade

Understanding How Influence Is Built ~ David Meade

To the Business Pros – Hello and Welcome

I stumbled upon this today on LinkedIn, and I felt compelled to share it because it carries powerful lessons many of us in the business world can learn from.

The inspiration behind the quote is worth reflecting on, and I hope it serves as a useful guide for anyone striving to grow their influence and leadership. Credit to David Meade for making this possible on LinkedIn, including the graphic design used for the illustration.

Understanding How Influence Is Built

David Meade explains that true influence is rooted in the psychology of authority.

Drawing from Stanley Milgram’s famous 1961 experiment, he highlights how ordinary people obeyed instructions to deliver dangerous electric shocks simply because an authority figure told them to.

This reveals a key truth: people naturally follow those who appear credible.

Meade outlines three layers that shape this authority:

Symbols – dressing well, strong branding, or being introduced by respected people

Expertise – proven results, clarity, and memorable methods

Presence – consistency, generosity, and association with credible individuals

His message is simple: people are four times more likely to follow someone who looks like an authority.

The real challenge is ensuring we use that influence responsibly and ethically.