Elements of Influence

INTRODUCTION

We human beings are social creatures, and our world works because of the many ways we interact with and influence one another. We get our way with others by developing bases of power—which derive from a number of personal and organizational sources—and using that power to influence how others think, feel, and act. We succeed in business as well as in life when we learn how best to influence others to do our bidding, accept our point of view, follow our lead, join our cause, feel our excitement, or buy our products and services.

We should be clear about one thing from the start: Influence is not some magic power only a few people have. Every person on the planet exercises influence all the time. Influencing is what all of us seek ...