When we experience feelings of ineffectiveness or invisibility, there’s evidence to suggest that we may be overlooking our own power of influence, says Cornell professor Vanessa Bohns, author of the book You Have More Influence Than You Think.
Our words, actions, even our presence, can profoundly affect other people—but we often misread the situation or underestimate ourselves. Emotions and cognitive biases often get in the way.
Through extensive behavioral research and workplace study, Professor Bohns has developed strategies for us to better observe our influence, reconsider our fear of rejection, and sometimes even use our influence more sparingly. She encourages us to recognize the influence we already possess rather than seeking new ways to gain it.
Look into the hidden potential of our everyday interactions and begin to understand the significant influence you may wield, perhaps unknowingly. Then you can start to increase your power of influence and persuasion.
