You don’t need a job title to lead. You need trust, timing, and the ability to make people care. This episode is for the ambitious folks moving ideas forward without a mandate.
Featured Book:
Influence Without Authority by Allan R. Cohen & David L. Bradford
Big Idea:
Influence is a relationship game, not a power play. And the key to winning it? Reciprocity.
Discussion Beats:
The “currencies of exchange” model—and how to build influence by offering value
How to map power and motivation when you have zero formal authority
Why pushing harder backfires—and how to build buy-in the slow, strategic way
Tactical steps to start small and grow your influence footprint in any organization
Summary:
This book lays out a practical framework for gaining cooperation when you don’t hold the formal power to compel it. Cohen and Bradford introduce the concept of “currencies” in influence—things like information, access, support, recognition—and explain how to strategically exchange them to build credibility and momentum. It’s full of realistic scenarios and emphasizes relationship-building over manipulation. Think of it as a tactical guide for anyone navigating matrixed orgs or cross-functional roles.
Core message:
You don’t need a title to lead—you need to understand what people value, and how to trade for it ethically.
Closing Takeaway:
You don’t need authority to lead change. You need connection, curiosity, and a plan.
You don’t need a title to lead—you need trust, clarity, and the guts to go first.
This session is for the middle movers, the quiet instigators, and the cross-functional players who are done waiting for permission.
👉 Join us for Influence Without Authority — Mastering the Psychology of Buy-In.
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