Our words, actions and even our presence can profoundly affect other people, but we often misread the situation or underestimate ourselves. Emotions and cognitive biases often get in the way.

Through extensive behavioral research and workplace study, Vanessa Bohns — the Cornell ILR School’s Braunstein Family Professor and chair of the organizational behavior department — has developed strategies for us to better observe our influence, reconsider our fear of rejection and sometimes even use our influence more sparingly. Bohns, the author of “You Have More Influence Than You Think,” encourages us to recognize the influence we already possess rather than seeking new ways to gain it.

What You'll Learn

• How to be more mindful and present in your interactions with others
• How to get better at asking for things
• How to get better at saying no
• How to recognize and harness our influence for good by building stronger relationships and creating more supportive environments

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