Forbes.com shares a study done in 2009 and 2010 by Discover Learning,Inc and Innovative Pathways where they identified and measured different influence styles.

They created five categories.  Here they are:

ASSERTING: you insist that your ideas are heard and you challenge the ideas of others

CONVINCING: you put forward your ideas and offer logical, rational reasons to convince others of your point of view

NEGOTIATING: you look for compromises and make concessions to reach outcomes that satisfy your greater interest

BRIDGING: you build relationships and connect with others through listening, understanding and building coalitions

INSPIRING: you advocate  your position and encourage others with a sense of shared purpose and exciting possibilities

We all use a combination of these. Think about what your “preferred” or “natural” style is? Think of what others use when they are trying to influence you?

We can influence people many different ways. Sometimes we rely on what we’re most comfortable with. Different people need different kinds of communication.

Russ/2015

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