# The Power of Influence over Authority Course (Self-Paced)

Canonical URL: <https://www.graduateschool.edu/courses/the-power-of-influence-over-authority-course-self-paced>

## Overview

Great leaders leverage their power and authority to influence others. While authority and power may lead to compliance, a more powerful force, influence, leads to commitment. Discover the key elements associated with influencing others--the strategic use of power, motivating your employees, and building and nurturing trust.

## What you'll learn

- Define power, authority, and influence.
- Practice influence through communication skills.
- Identify assertive, non-assertive, and aggressive responses.
- Implement assertive responses in case examples.
- Elegantly give and receive criticism.
- Provide ideas and feedback effectively.
- Apply influence skills in career development.

## Curriculum

#### Module 1: Defining Power, Authority, and Influence

- Define power, authority, and influence and explain their relationship to leadership and results.
- Compare Kipnis & Schmidt's six influence styles (friendliness, bargaining, reason, assertiveness, higher authority, coalition building) and when each is effective.
- Identify four sources of influence—expertise, personal attraction, effort, and legitimacy—and how to develop them.
- Differentiate short-term compliance from long-term commitment and why influence outperforms authority alone.

#### Module 2: Communication Skills Essential to Influencing Others

- Strengthen listening, speaking, writing, and critical thinking as core tools of influence.
- Practice active listening techniques and audience-centered speaking that build commitment.
- Apply writing guidelines (professional tone, plain language, “bottom line up front”) to persuade busy readers.
- Use critical thinking to analyze issues, present both sides, and translate ideas into clear actions.

#### Module 3: Influencing Through Responses to Others

- Distinguish non-assertive, aggressive, and assertive responses and their impact on commitment.
- Use assertiveness skills—eye contact, posture, facial expression, voice, and timing/location—to convey respect and clarity.
- Build habits that increase influence (self-monitoring logs, positive imagery, feedback from role models).
- Apply assertive responses to workplace scenarios to keep proposals moving forward.

#### Module 4: Influencing Through Positive Criticism and Feedback

- Deliver “mission-first” criticism that is thoughtful, tactful, and solution-oriented.
- Follow proven tips: focus on standards and issues (not people), avoid exaggeration/sarcasm, seek feedback, and secure buy-in.
- Respond constructively to criticism by mirroring, acknowledging, clarifying, and linking to points of agreement.
- Provide timely, specific, behavioral feedback using the SBI model (Situation–Behavior–Impact) plus clear requests and consequences.

#### Module 5: Case Study

- Analyze a realistic agency scenario and select appropriate influence strategies to build support across divisions.
- Design and present a plan that applies styles/sources of influence, communication, and assertive responses.
- Translate lessons into career-development actions that expand your influence without formal authority.
- Reflect on outcomes and “what’s next” to sustain momentum after the course.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $649