Influence from Coursera

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.

Module 2

In this module, you’ll examine social networks and relationships, and learn how they can help you accomplish your organizational goals. You’ll be able to differentiate between dense and disconnected networks, and weigh the benefits and costs of diversification within your networks. Then you’ll learn about both successful strategies and common pitfalls in cultivating a network, and see how authentic generosity will build reciprocity in your networks and vice versa. You’ll also explore coalitions and how alliances between parties with different perspectives can be very effective and efficient in achieving mutual goals. By the end of this module, you’ll learn effective strategies for networking, coalition-building, and leveraging, and will be able to form strong alliances and relationships both inside and outside your organization.

Module 3

This module was designed to help you develop your persuasive tactics and rhetoric to increase your influence. By discussing historical examples of classical principles of persuasion—from Aristotle to the six SUCCES factors—you’ll learn what makes ideas memorable and be able to craft effective messages of your own. You’ll assess your own strengths and weaknesses in influence tactics by taking the Leverage Inventory survey. You’ll also explore statistical analysis examining the relative effectiveness of soft, hard, and smart power strategies. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to employ a toolbox of approaches to gain power and influence, and be prepared to bring the right leveraging skills to any situation.

Module 4

In this module, you’ll examine the ethical implications of persuasion and the responsibilities that come with having a powerful leveraging toolkit. By looking at examples of our own unconscious biases, you’ll gain a better understanding of where your perspective and values stand. You’ll learn how to find the right balance in making the necessary tradeoffs while exerting sustainable influence. Through exploring different hypothetical scenarios in the Hard Questions Survey, you’ll form strategies to avoid common pitfalls while leveraging influence. By the end of this module, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the ethics of persuasion and influence, and be able to make difficult decisions that are more aligned with you and your organization’s values.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Reviews summary

Highly engaging influence tactics

Learners say that this course is largely positive, providing engaging assignments to master influence tactics. Well designed case studies help connect students to real-world applications of persuasion and power dynamics. Instructor Professor Massey is highly praised for his clear and captivating lectures. The course encourages self-reflection and ethical considerations with assessments that prompt learners to evaluate their own behaviors and motivations. Overall, students highly recommend this course for anyone looking to increase their influence and navigate challenging career situations.

Explores different types of influence tactics and power dynamics, with emphasis on practical applications.

"Out of the four courses in the specialization this one resulted in by far the longest list of notes after the lectures."

"Prof. Massey shares presents a lot of valuable, practical points that give you an all-around perspective on the subjects of influence and power."

Instructor Professor Massey is highly regarded for his engaging and informative lectures.

"Professor Massey opened new way of persuasion."

"Professor Cade is an absolute delight to learn from"

Provides useful concepts, frameworks, and exercises to help learners develop their own influence strategies.

"Valuable concepts, frameworks, and exercises to reflect on self and devise personal action plans…"

"I especially liked The Leverage Inventory, network and coalition building, and intentionality, as well as the 10 Hard Questions Survey (assessing ethics and idealism vs. pragmatism)."

Encourages self-reflection and considerations of ethics in the use of influence tactics.

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. Professor Massey is exceptionally relatable and the course encourages thoughtful introspection on not just how to gain influence - the methods and tools - but the personal responsibilty and risks that come with it."

"I would highlight the important statement that “Effectiveness often requires flexibility and compromise. Idealism is costly.”"

Emphasizes practical applications of influence tactics with case studies and examples from diverse fields.

"Excellent course. Well designed, case studies are vibrant and well connected to course."

"This course is a thoughtful and profound course which contains massive influential content inside."

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

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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

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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

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Review this topic from a previous course, especially with a focus on how social networks can affect human interactions, professional relationships, and industry structures.

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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

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This project will allow you to apply the concepts you learn in this course to a real-world problem.

Browse courses on Industry Analysis

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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

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Contribute to a repository on network analysis

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Enhance your development skills by collaborating in a real-world setting.

Browse courses on Open Source

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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

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Test your understanding of concepts through interactive simulations.

Browse courses on Network Simulation

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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

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Participate in a structured workshop to enhance your confidence in leveraging influence through persuasion.

Browse courses on Persuasion Strategies

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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

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Bring your learning into practice by organizing a study group to perform coalition analysis on a chosen industry.

Browse courses on Network Analysis

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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

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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.

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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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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