The publication of "Influenced from Above: Where Faith and Influence Meet" marked a pivotal moment for Brian Ahearn, a recognized expert in the science of ethical influence and Chief Influence Officer at Influence PEOPLE. This seminal work, building upon years of research and practical application, prompted a profound re-evaluation of his foundational principles, leading to a conceptual expansion of the very definition of influence.
For those familiar with Ahearn’s work, the acronym PEOPLE has long been understood as representing "Powerful Everyday Opportunities to Persuade that are Lasting and Ethical." This framework has guided countless individuals and organizations in their pursuit of effective and morally sound influence. However, the insights gleaned from "Influenced from Above" illuminated a deeper dimension, suggesting that PEOPLE could also signify "Powerful Everyday Opportunities to Persuade that are Loving and Eternal."
This reinterpretation is not presented as a replacement for the established tenets of lasting and ethical persuasion, but rather as an amplification, a move towards a more profound and impactful understanding. The shift in perspective hinges on a critical question: What does it truly mean to love in the context of influence?
The Evolution of Influence: From Ethics to Eternal Impact
Ahearn’s initial exploration into "Influenced from Above" was triggered by a desire to explore the intersection of faith and influence, a theme often explored through religious texts and philosophical discourse. While secular approaches to influence typically emphasize principles of reciprocity, scarcity, authority, consistency, liking, and social proof—as articulated by Dr. Robert Cialdini, whom Ahearn is a certified trainer for—the integration of faith introduces a spiritual dimension that transcends immediate transactional outcomes.
The common understanding of love, often expressed in societal norms and fleeting sentiments, frequently lacks concrete definition. Phrases such as "love is blind," "love conquers all," or the subjective experience of affection, while resonant, do not provide a robust framework for actionable influence. In contrast, Ahearn points to the Bible as offering a more substantial and enduring definition of love, one that has profound implications for how we interact with and persuade others.
Defining Love Through a Biblical Lens: 1 Corinthians 13
Central to Ahearn’s expanded definition of influence is the passage from 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as "the love chapter." This biblical text, frequently cited at weddings and in discussions of interpersonal relationships, offers a detailed portrait of what love is and is not. The Apostle Paul articulates love as patient and kind, rejoicing in truth, and characterized by its enduring qualities of bearing, believing, hoping, and persevering.
Conversely, the passage explicitly outlines what love is not: it does not envy, boast, or act arrogantly. It is not rude, irritable, or resentful. Love does not insist on its own way or rejoice in wrongdoing. Crucially, and perhaps most profoundly for the concept of influence, "love never ends."
Ahearn cautions against a superficial interpretation of this passage, one that treats it as a mere checklist of behavioral adjustments. The tendency to approach these virtues as a series of resolutions—"I will be more patient," "I will stop being irritable"—is often as effective as conventional New Year’s resolutions, prone to failure and ultimately superficial.
Instead, Ahearn posits that the divine intent is for a deeper transformation. God, he suggests, aims to cultivate individuals who intrinsically become patient, kind, truthful, hopeful, and selfless. This is not about managing outward appearances or carefully curating a personal "brand." It is about an internal metamorphosis, a process that Christians refer to as sanctification. Through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, individuals are gradually reshaped to reflect the character of Jesus, thereby fundamentally altering the nature and impact of their influence.
The Inherent Cost of Love and Influence
A critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of loving influence is its inherent cost. Ahearn emphasizes that extending love and attempting to influence others with genuine care does not guarantee favorable outcomes or personal gratification. Throughout history, prophets who spoke truth often faced persecution. Jesus Christ, who embodied perfect love, endured rejection, betrayal, and ultimately crucifixion.
This reality is vital for understanding the true metrics of influence. It is tempting to gauge our effectiveness by the immediate response we receive: Did they agree? Did they change their behavior? Did the sale go through? Did they like our social media post? While these outcomes may be desirable, they are not definitive indicators of loving influence.
Sometimes, the most loving act is to convey a difficult truth, even if it is unwelcome. At other times, it involves prioritizing another’s well-being above our own immediate desires or ambitions. It can even mean accepting a "no" when a "yes" was desperately hoped for. In essence, genuine love, particularly when expressed through influence, can demand significant personal sacrifice.
A New Paradigm: "Loving and Eternal" vs. "Lasting and Ethical"
For years, Ahearn’s teachings have centered on the pursuit of "Powerful Everyday Opportunities to Persuade that are Lasting and Ethical." This standard, he maintains, remains profoundly important. However, the paradigm of "Loving and Eternal" introduces a distinct and more challenging dimension.
The emphasis on "ethical" can, at times, lead to a focus on adherence to rules and boundaries: "What am I permitted to do?" "How far can I push?" "Am I technically in the wrong?" These questions, while valid in establishing a moral baseline, can inadvertently create a mindset focused on avoiding transgression rather than actively pursuing the highest good.
In contrast, the principle of "loving" compels a different line of inquiry: "What is genuinely best for this individual?" This reframing profoundly alters the nature of influence. When the well-being of the other person takes precedence over the desire to achieve one’s own agenda, manipulative tactics lose their allure. When truth is valued above the need to "win" an argument, deception becomes an unacceptable path. When a genuine desire for another’s good motivates our actions, ethical conduct evolves from a set of external regulations to an internal disposition, reflecting the person we are becoming.
The "Eternal" Dimension: Beyond the Moment
This is where the "Eternal" aspect of the redefined acronym gains significance. Many opportunities for influence appear ordinary and confined to the present moment: a conversation with a colleague, an interaction with a customer, offering advice to a friend, or a shared moment with a spouse or child. However, the ripple effects of these seemingly small encounters are often unknowable and can extend far beyond our immediate perception.
The distinction between the two frameworks can be articulated as follows:
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"Lasting and Ethical" asks: "How can I influence people in the right way?" This question focuses on the methodology and the immediate moral integrity of the influence exerted. It is about ensuring that the methods employed are sound and that the outcomes are sustainable and morally defensible within the current context.
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"Loving and Eternal" asks: "Who am I becoming as I influence them, and what might God do with that influence long after this moment is over?" This question shifts the focus from the immediate act to the internal transformation of the influencer and the potentially unbounded, divine impact of that influence. It considers the long-term spiritual implications and the broader, perhaps eternal, consequences of our interactions.
Ahearn’s decades of dedicated study, practice, and teaching in the field of influence have led him to a firm conviction: the question posed by "Loving and Eternal" is the more critical one. It invites a deeper self-awareness and a reliance on a higher purpose, moving beyond mere efficacy to a pursuit of profound, divinely-guided impact.
Broader Implications for Professional and Personal Life
The redefinition of PEOPLE from "Lasting and Ethical" to "Loving and Eternal" carries significant implications across various spheres of life. In the professional realm, this shift could move businesses from a purely profit-driven or compliance-focused approach to one that prioritizes stakeholder well-being and long-term, ethical partnerships. Companies that embed a philosophy of "loving influence" might find themselves fostering greater trust, loyalty, and a more positive organizational culture. This could translate into tangible benefits, such as reduced employee turnover, enhanced customer satisfaction, and a stronger brand reputation that resonates beyond superficial marketing.
For individuals, embracing "Loving and Eternal" influence encourages a more authentic and purpose-driven approach to personal relationships. It means approaching interactions not as opportunities for personal gain or validation, but as chances to contribute positively to the lives of others, with an awareness that these actions can have far-reaching and enduring effects. This perspective can alleviate the pressure to constantly "perform" or achieve immediate, measurable results, fostering instead a sense of peace and purpose in the daily act of connection.
The "Eternal" aspect also prompts a consideration of legacy. What kind of influence do we want to leave behind? Is it merely a record of successful transactions, or is it a testament to lives touched, hearts changed, and a positive spiritual imprint made on the world? This contemplation can inspire individuals to act with greater intentionality and to consider the spiritual dimension of their interactions, recognizing that the impact of their words and deeds may extend far beyond their earthly existence.
Expert Analysis and Future Outlook
The evolution of Ahearn’s framework aligns with broader trends in ethical leadership and the growing recognition of the importance of emotional intelligence and spiritual well-being in achieving sustainable success. As societal expectations shift, and individuals increasingly seek authenticity and purpose in their professional and personal lives, frameworks that integrate deeper human values with practical influence strategies are likely to gain prominence.
The concept of "Loving and Eternal" influence, while rooted in spiritual principles, offers a universally applicable model for enhancing interpersonal dynamics. By focusing on the intrinsic worth of individuals and the potential for enduring positive impact, this paradigm provides a robust foundation for building stronger relationships, fostering greater understanding, and ultimately, contributing to a more compassionate and ethically grounded world. The ongoing dialogue initiated by "Influenced from Above" promises to further refine our understanding of what it means to truly connect with and positively impact others.
Brian Ahearn, through his work and writings, continues to champion a more profound and purpose-driven approach to influence, encouraging individuals to look beyond immediate gains and to consider the eternal significance of their interactions. The question he poses to his audience—whether "Loving and Eternal" changes their perspective on influence compared to "Lasting and Ethical"—serves as an invitation to introspection and a catalyst for embracing a more transformative path in the art and science of persuasion.
