Tim Broughton is a deep Christian, a devoted husband and father and a talented Vice President and General Manager at McKee Foods Corporation. He is a walking example of faith at work. WorkMatters is honored to claim him as a board member and friend. We asked Tim a few questions about what influence in the workplace means to him.

Q - Webster defines influence "as the power to affect others." How do you define it?
A - I think of influence as the indirect power we have on others regarding the choices they make and how they act. It is not a formal or physical power we exercise over someone. I believe we always have influence - positive or negative - - on everyone we interact with. We determine which kind of influence by the choices we make and the way we interact.

Q - Why do you want to have influence?
A - My ultimate purpose is to influence others toward a close personal relationship with Christ. Several years ago I developed a personal mission statement, which included what I would want others to say at my funeral. My ultimate fulfillment would be if anyone would simply say that I had influenced him or her to a closer relationship with God.

Q - Who is the greatest influence in your life, and why?
A - During my Army officer training, we focused on a simple motto: "Follow me and do as I do." Jesus provided the ultimate example of that. As a young man without the influence of my biological father, I developed an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ and fully committed my life and influence to Him before I was 12. Jesus still continues to have the greatest positive influence in my life.

Q - How can a Christian be a positive influence on others at work?
A - Zechariah 4:6 reminds us that our influence is not by our might, nor by our power, but by the power of the Holy Spirit and the influence He has through us. The ultimate attribute for each of us is to be "Christ-like" in how we interact with others at work, while also seeking to do all things excellently as unto to God.
    In John 13:34-35, Jesus defines our Christian Trademark as the love we demonstrate for others. This reinforces the saying, "No one cares what you know unless they know you care."

Q - Describe one priority area for Christ-like influence in the workplace.
A - Christ was the perfect example of a servant first. He was unselfish in how He followed and supported His Father. Our first priority for Christ-like influence is to model being an effective servant or follower. Practically everyone in the workplace, regardless of position, has someone who acts as his or her supervisor. Colossians 3:22-25 provides clear direction that God expects us to care about our supervisor and how we serve them. In turn, this should have a positive influence on others, including our own supervisor, in choosing how they will serve and lead.