Thank you for sharing your thoughts Shaun.

As we consider different types of influence and the ways that we build and exert it, it would certainly seem that motivation and inspiration are two of the major types. This aligns well with the attempt to contrast influence by discussing positional influence and intimidation, both of which clearly fall into the motivation category, and both of which are typically not sustainable.

It could be argued that inspiration is the purest, most desirable form of influence. Not only is it far more sustainable, but it is also more likely to be based on a far deeper response to a leader's actions or works.

The quote included at the end of your response reminds us that leadership is a toolbox. For effective leaders, the toolbox includes many different types of influence, all of which are likely to be more effective than others in certain situations. An effective leader should always be working to accumulate such tools, and to use them in various situations when appropriate.