Lessons from Akron's "Hot Dog Day" - Harnessing Influence: Teaching, Challenging and Role Modeling

First off Happy National Hot Dog Day. For that matter everyday, we can take time to celebrate the hot dog. Now, let's talk about influence. As a leadership development professional, I've seen my fair share of motivational speeches, self-help books, and icebreaker activities involving awkward trust falls. But, my friends, true influence isn't about an impeccably timed inspirational quote or a well-executed trust fall (though the latter does have its merits, particularly in office comedy).

In my workshops and coaching, people talk of influence, but few know how to master it. Influence, real influence, comes from teaching someone, challenging them, and being a role model. How do we know this? Well, let me take you back a century or so. The year was 1916 and the food scene in the United States was under the influence of anti-German sentiment. Yes, folks, not even hot dogs and sauerkraut were safe!

Teaching: The Power of Education in Influence

First on our list, we have teaching as a way to influence. If you think back to your school days, you'll probably remember that one teacher who, against all odds, made algebra feel less like deciphering alien hieroglyphics and more like a beautiful language of numbers (if you didn't have that teacher, I'm sorry; life must have been tough).

In 1916, a group of forward-thinking Akron women took on the role of educators. The subject? Hot dogs and sauerkraut. The students? Their townsfolk. You see, anti-German sentiment had reached a point where people were refusing to eat foods associated with Germany. Imagine that - a world without hot dogs at baseball games!

Challenging: Influence through Pushing Boundaries

Next up, we have challenging as a ay to influence, the second string to our influence bow. This isn't about challenging Uncle Tim to a Thanksgiving arm-wrestling match (although I admit, that could be influential in its own way). No, challenging in terms of influence is about pushing societal boundaries and norms.

Our brave Akron ladies did just that. They organized a "Hot Dog Day" (I'm sure the idea must have had the town dogs barking with excitement) to support the troops and promote a more positive image of Germany. In doing so, they directly challenged the prevailing public sentiment and showed their townsfolk that there was another way to see things.

Role Modeling: Leading by Example

Finally, we have being a role model in influence. These women didn't just talk the talk, they walked the walk, sold the hot dogs, and stirred the sauerkraut. They led by example, showing their community that it was possible to support the troops while also embracing the finer culinary offerings of Germany.

The Results of the Akron Women's Influence

The "Hot Dog Day" was a triumph. Money was raised for the Red Cross, soldiers were fed, sauerkraut was popular again, and there was probably a dachshund or two strutting around town feeling particularly proud of their German heritage. The women's influence was significant, not just in the short-term success of the event, but also in the long-term shift in the townsfolk's attitude towards their thinking and prejudices.

So, my leadership friends, let's take a page from the Akron women's book. Influence isn't about grand speeches or spectacular stunts. It's about teaching, challenging, and role modeling. And, sometimes, it's also about hot dogs and sauerkraut. Until next time, stay influential!