Four ways leaders positively influence others and how to pay it forward

Executive overview

Most leaders got where they are through the help of others — yet paying that influence forward rarely makes it onto the daily task list. Research by Glenn Parker and his son Michael found no single profile of a positive influence leader; instead, four distinct styles emerged. Each style shapes people differently, and many effective leaders embody more than one.

The most powerful thing a positive influence leader does is see potential in someone that they can't yet see in themselves.

The four types of positive influence leader

1. Supportive leader — says "you can do this, I've got your back." Doesn't do it for you, but positions you for success. Example: a theater instructor sent a student up a ladder to string stage lights; she went on to break into a male-dominated technical theater world in New York.
2. Teacher — imparts skills, knowledge, and values needed to succeed. May hold any role: professor, parent, manager, coach. Example: Professor Carlson inspired a returning adult student to pursue teaching; she became one of 20 NYC teachers of the year out of ~10,000.
3. Motivator — sees something in you that you don't see in yourself, then empowers you to act on it. Glenn's first boss Larry invited him to teach a two-hour session — carefully scoped and set up for success — which redirected his entire career.
4. Role model — demonstrates the right way by example. Many role models are never met in person. Michael Jordan modeled not his playing style but his work ethic: first in, last out, relentless repetition.

How styles combine

• People often embody two or more primary styles simultaneously.
• A direct, demanding boss who publicly celebrated her team's wins after pushing them hard combined motivator and teacher in a single style.
• Styles are not fixed — they can shift across contexts and relationships.

What the supportive style looks like in practice

• Does not hand success to someone; engineers the conditions for it.
• Scopes the first attempt narrowly so the person can win.
• Coaches preparation and delivery before the moment arrives.
• The result is genuine empowerment, not dependency.

Starting to pay it forward

• The first step is internal: decide you want to get better at leading others.
• Develop active listening — resist interrupting or anticipating what someone will say.
• Reflect on who influenced you; that reflection naturally opens motivation to do the same for others.
• Paying it forward doesn't require grand gestures — it can be integrated into everyday interactions.

Origins and context

• "Pay it forward" originates with Benjamin Franklin, who lent money on the condition the recipient pass the favour on rather than repay him.
• The book's overarching theme comes from a Maya Angelou poem: "No one, but no one, can make it out here alone."
• Stories of positive influence can be submitted at thepositiveleader.com (250–300 words) or emailed to Glenn at glenn@thepositiveinfluenceleader.com.