You have more influence than you think

In a recent interview from McKinsey, author and social psychologist Vanessa Bohns discusses failing to recognize our innate ability to influence, resulting in missed opportunities or the misusing of power.

In Bohns’ book, You Have More Influence Than You Think: How We Underestimate Our Power of Persuasion, and Why It Matters, she offers science-based strategies for observing the effect we have on others. Here are some of her helpful quotes from the McKinsey interview:

“We walk through our lives, and we don’t realize how many people notice us and, because they notice us, how many people might imitate our behavior, or change their behavior because of something we did or said.”

This message highlights the high level of influence that we, as leaders, hold over others. Even in situations where we believe no one is watching, someone may pick up on how we act. It’s important to express the most important values as we go about life in even our smallest daily tasks and motions.

 

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