Which statement about influence and impact is most accurate?

• A. They can only be achieved at the top.
• B. They can be achieved at multiple levels, not only at the top.
• C. They do not exist in leadership.
• D. They are irrelevant to practice.

Answer: (B)

Influence and impact in leadership aren’t tied to one position; they emerge at every level through everyday actions, relationships, and decisions. Influence is about shaping what others think, decide, and do by building credibility, modeling behavior, communicating well, and earning trust. Impact is the tangible change that follows those actions—better teamwork, improved performance, safer practices, or a shift in culture.

That’s why the best statement recognizes that influence and impact can be achieved at multiple levels, not just at the top. Even someone who isn’t in the highest role can steer processes, mentor others, or champion ethical standards, and those efforts can produce meaningful outcomes.

The other options don’t fit this understanding: limiting influence to the top misses how leadership works day-to-day; denying that influence or impact exists in leadership ignores core realities of practice; and saying they’re irrelevant to practice contradicts the purpose of ethical leadership and continuous improvement.