We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Cade Massey
What does it mean to be influential? How does one persuade others to pursue a unified goal? How does one leverage power? In this course, you’ll learn how to develop influence and to become more effective in achieving your organizational goals. Professor Cade Massey of the Wharton School has designed this course to help you understand the framework of power and influence and the dynamics of effective networks, and shows you how to develop your skills of persuasion and leverage. By the end of this course, you’ll know your own strengths and how to use them to get what you need, how to gain power and influence, and how to leverage relationships and alliances to achieve your goals in both business and in life.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/pax1ep/influenc
Here's a deal for you
Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Get offer
What's inside
Syllabus
Module 1
In this module, we’ll begin by defining influence. You’ll weigh the pros and cons of proactivity and political ability, and find the right balance to get any job done within your organization. You’ll learn different models of power structures and dynamics, and discover the importance of flexibility, situational awareness, and agency. By the end of this module, you’ll be better able to analyze organizational structure, recognize processes within your organization that need improvement, and use your power of influence to optimize these processes.
Read more
Syllabus
Module 1
In this module, we’ll begin by defining influence. You’ll weigh the pros and cons of proactivity and political ability, and find the right balance to get any job done within your organization. You’ll learn different models of power structures and dynamics, and discover the importance of flexibility, situational awareness, and agency. By the end of this module, you’ll be better able to analyze organizational structure, recognize processes within your organization that need improvement, and use your power of influence to optimize these processes.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Examines the dynamics of effective networks, which can help learners achieve goals
Includes persuasive tactics and rhetoric to increase persuasion effectiveness
Teaches learners how to gain power and influence
Explores the ethical implications of persuasion and the responsibilities of influence
Taught by Cade Massey, a recognized expert in power and influence
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Develop your influence and persuasion skills
According to learners, this course offers a strong foundation in understanding influence, power, and persuasion. Students consistently praise the insightful content and practical frameworks provided by Professor Cade Massey. Many found the concepts highly applicable to both professional and personal life, particularly valuing the modules on networking and negotiation strategies. While largely positive, a few reviewers noted the course is best suited for those seeking a foundational understanding rather than advanced techniques. Overall, it is described as a valuable investment for anyone looking to enhance their ability to influence and achieve goals.
Best suited for foundational learning.
"Great course for beginners wanting to understand influence."
"Provides a solid basic understanding, might be less challenging for advanced learners."
"I found this course to be an excellent introduction to the topic."
"Good overview of the fundamentals, not overly deep into advanced tactics."
Explains organizational power.
"Helped me analyze power structures within organizations."
"I now have a better understanding of different power models."
"The course clarified how influence operates in different settings."
"Provides a clear framework for understanding influence dynamics."
Excellent module on building networks.
"Module 2 on networking was particularly helpful."
"I gained valuable insights on leveraging relationships and building alliances."
"Loved the section on reciprocity in networking."
"Learned concrete strategies for expanding my professional network effectively."
Professor Massey is knowledgeable.
"Professor Massey is incredibly engaging and knowledgeable."
"Loved the way Professor Massey explained complex ideas."
"The professor's lectures were clear and easy to follow."
"Professor Massey brought the concepts to life with great examples."
Skills are applicable in real life.
"The skills I learned are directly applicable to my personal and professional goals."
"Really helped me understand and apply influence tactics in daily situations."
"Learned practical strategies for networking and building relationships."
"I am already using some of the principles from the course at work."
Content provides practical insights.
"The content is brilliant and very useful for me."
"Provides me with new insights into influence and power in the workplace."
"Each section delivered new and useful information on influence and negotiation."
"I have learned so much about leadership, influence, and negotiation."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Influence with these
activities:
Identify mentors who embody influence
Show steps
Seek out individuals in your field or network who excel in leveraging influence and persuasion. Learn from their experiences and insights.
Browse courses on
Mentorship
Show steps
-
Identify individuals in your field or network who you admire for their ability to influence and persuade.
-
Reach out to these individuals and express your interest in learning from them.
-
Be open to their guidance and advice.
Review social network theory
Show steps
Review this topic from a previous course, especially with a focus on how social networks can affect human interactions, professional relationships, and industry structures.
Show steps
-
Re-read your class notes or textbook on social network theory.
-
Review your problem sets for the concepts of graph theory.
-
Test your knowledge by trying to solve practice questions on network analysis.
Develop a network map of your industry
Show steps
This project will allow you to apply the concepts you learn in this course to a real-world problem.
Browse courses on
Industry Analysis
Show steps
-
Gather a list of all the companies in your industry.
-
Determine the key relationships between the companies.
-
Visualize the network using a network mapping tool.
-
Analyze the network to identify the most important companies and relationships.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Contribute to a repository on network analysis
Show steps
Enhance your development skills by collaborating in a real-world setting.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
-
Find an open source project that focuses on network analysis.
-
Contribute to the project by adding features, fixing bugs, or improving documentation.
-
Collaborate with other team members and learn from their expertise.
Network Analysis Simulations
Show steps
Test your understanding of concepts through interactive simulations.
Browse courses on
Network Simulation
Show steps
-
Find a network analysis simulation online.
-
Run the simulations and change the parameters.
-
Record your observations and compare them to your expectations.
Influence and Persuasion Workshop
Show steps
Participate in a structured workshop to enhance your confidence in leveraging influence through persuasion.
Browse courses on
Persuasion Strategies
Show steps
-
Find an upcoming workshop on influence and persuasion.
-
Register for the workshop.
-
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the exercises.
-
Apply what you learn in the workshop to your personal and professional life.
Coalition Analysis Workshop
Show steps
Bring your learning into practice by organizing a study group to perform coalition analysis on a chosen industry.
Browse courses on
Network Analysis
Show steps
-
Gather a group of peers who are interested in learning about coalition analysis.
-
Choose an industry to analyze.
-
Collect data on the companies in the industry.
-
Build a matrix of pairwise relationships between the companies.
-
Use network analysis techniques to identify the most important companies in the industry.
The Power of Networks by Ron Burt
Show steps
This book is a fundamental text on network theory. It can aid in developing a deep understanding of how networks can be used to better understand and influence human behavior.
Show steps
-
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting important passages.
-
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
-
Discuss the book with a friend or colleague.
Identify mentors who embody influence
Show steps
Seek out individuals in your field or network who excel in leveraging influence and persuasion. Learn from their experiences and insights.
Browse courses on
Mentorship
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify individuals in your field or network who you admire for their ability to influence and persuade.
- Reach out to these individuals and express your interest in learning from them.
- Be open to their guidance and advice.
Review social network theory
Show steps
Review this topic from a previous course, especially with a focus on how social networks can affect human interactions, professional relationships, and industry structures.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Re-read your class notes or textbook on social network theory.
- Review your problem sets for the concepts of graph theory.
- Test your knowledge by trying to solve practice questions on network analysis.
Develop a network map of your industry
Show steps
This project will allow you to apply the concepts you learn in this course to a real-world problem.
Browse courses on
Industry Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather a list of all the companies in your industry.
- Determine the key relationships between the companies.
- Visualize the network using a network mapping tool.
- Analyze the network to identify the most important companies and relationships.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Contribute to a repository on network analysis
Show steps
Enhance your development skills by collaborating in a real-world setting.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an open source project that focuses on network analysis.
- Contribute to the project by adding features, fixing bugs, or improving documentation.
- Collaborate with other team members and learn from their expertise.
Network Analysis Simulations
Show steps
Test your understanding of concepts through interactive simulations.
Browse courses on
Network Simulation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a network analysis simulation online.
- Run the simulations and change the parameters.
- Record your observations and compare them to your expectations.
Influence and Persuasion Workshop
Show steps
Participate in a structured workshop to enhance your confidence in leveraging influence through persuasion.
Browse courses on
Persuasion Strategies
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an upcoming workshop on influence and persuasion.
- Register for the workshop.
- Attend the workshop and actively participate in the exercises.
- Apply what you learn in the workshop to your personal and professional life.
Coalition Analysis Workshop
Show steps
Bring your learning into practice by organizing a study group to perform coalition analysis on a chosen industry.
Browse courses on
Network Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather a group of peers who are interested in learning about coalition analysis.
- Choose an industry to analyze.
- Collect data on the companies in the industry.
- Build a matrix of pairwise relationships between the companies.
- Use network analysis techniques to identify the most important companies in the industry.
The Power of Networks by Ron Burt
Show steps
This book is a fundamental text on network theory. It can aid in developing a deep understanding of how networks can be used to better understand and influence human behavior.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting important passages.
- Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
- Discuss the book with a friend or colleague.
Career center
Learners who complete Influence will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Public relations manager
Public relations manager
As a Public Relations Manager, your goal is to make sure your company or organization is portrayed in the best possible light. You will need to be able to communicate your message clearly and persuasively to your audience. This course will help you develop your skills in persuasion and leverage, which will be essential to your success in public relations.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns that will reach and engage their target audience. You will need to be able to understand the needs of your customers and develop creative and effective marketing strategies. This course will help you develop your skills in persuasive communication, which will be essential to your success in marketing.
Sales Manager
Sales Manager
Sales Managers are responsible for leading and motivating their sales teams to achieve their goals. You will need to be able to motivate and inspire your team, as well as close deals and达成交易. This course will help you develop your skills in persuasion and leadership, which will be essential to your success in sales.
Business Development Manager
Business Development Manager
Business Development Managers are responsible for identifying new business opportunities and developing relationships with potential clients. You will need to be able to effectively communicate the value of your products or services, and persuade clients to do business with you. This course will help you develop your skills in persuasion and networking, which will be essential to your success in business development.
Account Manager
Account Manager
Account Managers are responsible for managing relationships with existing clients and ensuring that they are satisfied with your products or services. You will need to be able to communicate effectively, resolve problems, and build strong relationships with your clients. This course will help you develop your skills in communication, persuasion, and relationship-building, which will be essential to your success as an Account Manager.
Consultant
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses and organizations on a variety of topics. You will need to be able to understand the needs of your clients and develop effective solutions. This course will help you develop your skills in problem-solving, communication, and persuasion, which will be essential to your success as a Consultant.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers are responsible for leading and managing nonprofit organizations. You will need to be able to develop and implement strategic plans, raise funds, and manage a team of staff and volunteers. This course will help you develop your skills in leadership, persuasion, and fundraising, which will be essential to your success as a Nonprofit Manager.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers are responsible for educating and developing young people. You will need to be able to communicate effectively, motivate your students, and create a positive learning environment. This course will help you develop your skills in communication, persuasion, and leadership, which will be essential to your success as a Teacher.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists are responsible for gathering, writing, and reporting news stories. You will need to be able to research and investigate stories, write clearly and concisely, and meet deadlines. This course will help you develop your skills in research, writing, and persuasion, which will be essential to your success as a Journalist.
Politician
Politician
Politicians are responsible for making laws and policies that affect the lives of their constituents. You will need to be able to communicate your message effectively, build consensus, and negotiate with others. This course will help you develop your skills in persuasion, communication, and leadership, which will be essential to your success as a Politician.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers are responsible for advising clients on legal matters and representing them in court. You will need to be able to think critically, analyze legal issues, and communicate effectively. This course will help you develop your skills in critical thinking, communication, and persuasion, which will be essential to your success as a Lawyer.
Doctor
Doctor
Doctors are responsible for diagnosing and treating patients. You will need to be able to communicate effectively, build relationships with patients, and make life-saving decisions. This course will help you develop your skills in communication, persuasion, and leadership, which will be essential to your success as a Doctor.
Engineer
Engineer
Engineers are responsible for designing and building products, structures, and systems. You will need to be able to solve problems, think creatively, and communicate effectively. This course may help you develop your skills in problem-solving, communication, and persuasion, which may be useful to your success as an Engineer.
Scientist
Scientist
Scientists are responsible for conducting research and developing new knowledge. You will need to be able to think critically, analyze data, and communicate your findings effectively. This course may help you develop your skills in critical thinking, communication, and persuasion, which may be useful to your success as a Scientist.
Mathematician
Mathematician
Mathematicians are responsible for developing new mathematical theories and solving mathematical problems. You will need to be able to think abstractly, analyze data, and communicate your findings effectively. This course may help you develop your skills in critical thinking, communication, and persuasion, which may be useful to your success as a Mathematician.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/pax1ep/influenc
Reading list
We've selected 12 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Influence.
Classic in the field of persuasion and influence. It provides a comprehensive overview of the psychological principles that underlie influence, and offers practical advice on how to use these principles to achieve your goals. It must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about influence.
Save
Examines the nature of power and how it is acquired and used. It provides insights into the different types of power, the sources of power, and the strategies that people use to gain and maintain power. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand how power works.
This ancient Chinese military treatise provides timeless wisdom on strategy and tactics. It can be applied to a wide range of situations, including business, politics, and personal relationships. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to achieve their goals.
Save
This classic work of political philosophy provides insights into the nature of power and how it is acquired and used. It controversial book, but it is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the dark side of power.
Provides a practical guide to acquiring and using power. It is full of Machiavellian advice on how to manipulate people, gain advantage, and achieve your goals. It controversial book, but it valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn the dark arts of power.
Save
Explores the science of habit formation and provides insights into how we can change our habits and improve our lives. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the power of habits and how to use it to their advantage.
Debunks the myths about charisma and provides practical advice on how to develop your own charisma. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to make a positive impact on others and achieve their goals.
Save
Challenges the traditional view of introversion and extroversion and provides insights into the power of introverts. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the strengths and weaknesses of introverts and extroverts, and how to use their strengths to their advantage.
Provides a comprehensive overview of emotional intelligence and its importance in personal and professional success. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to develop their emotional intelligence and use it to achieve their goals.
Provides inspirational advice on how to overcome negative thoughts and develop a positive mindset. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to develop a more positive outlook on life and achieve their goals.
Provides practical advice on how to develop good habits and achieve success. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to become more effective in their personal and professional life.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of Robert Moses provides a fascinating look at the life and career of one of the most powerful and influential figures in New York City history. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of New York City and the role of power in shaping the city.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/pax1ep/influenc
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Pennsylvania
Instructor
Cade Massey
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
اُردُو,
فارسی
বাংলা
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Achieving Personal and Professional Success. It's comprised of four courses:
- Success
- Improving Communication Skills
- Leading the Life You Want
- Influence (viewing)
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser