What Makes the Positive Power & Influence® Model Unique?
The Positive Power & Influence® Model provides a practical framework for understanding how influence works in professional environments.
Unlike approaches that focus only on achieving results or only on maintaining relationships, the model helps individuals balance both outcomes simultaneously.
Its simplicity, flexibility, and practical application have made the Positive Power & Influence® Model one of the most widely used frameworks for understanding influence behavior in organizations.
The Core Principle of Positive Power & Influence®
The Positive Power & Influence® Model is based on a simple principle: effective influence should achieve results while preserving relationships.
Many influence approaches focus primarily on outcomes or relationships. The Positive Power & Influence® Model demonstrates that sustainable influence comes from balancing both.
This balance allows professionals to communicate more effectively, adapt to changing situations, and create positive outcomes across a wide range of workplace interactions.
By understanding how different influence behaviors affect people and outcomes, individuals can become more intentional, flexible, and effective in the way they influence others.
Long-term influence depends heavily on credibility. Leaders who establish trust and build strong relationships before critical conversations occur are often in a stronger position to influence outcomes successfully.
The Push and Pull Influence Model
PUSH
Push is one of the two core influence approaches within the Positive Power & Influence® Model.
Push behaviors focus on expressing ideas, providing direction, establishing expectations, and advancing decisions.
The model defines two primary Push behaviors: Asserting and Persuading.
When used effectively, Push creates clarity, focus, and momentum.
When overused, it can create resistance and reduce engagement.
PULL
Pull is the second core influence approach within the Positive Power & Influence® Model.
Pull behaviors focus on understanding others, encouraging participation, building trust, and strengthening commitment.
The model defines two primary Pull behaviors: Bridging and Attracting.
When balanced effectively, Pull creates collaboration, openness, and engagement.
When overused, it can slow decision-making and reduce direction.
Why Adaptability Matters in the Positive Power & Influence® Model
Effective leaders adapt their influence style based on:
This adaptability is one of the key capabilities developed through the Positive Power & Influence® Model.
Adaptability becomes easier when leaders understand how people think, make decisions, and respond to communication. Exploring the psychology of influence helps professionals adjust their approach more effectively.
The Four Influence Behaviors of the Positive Power & Influence® Model
The Positive Power & Influence® Model is built around four influence behaviors: Asserting, Persuading, Bridging, and Attracting.
Together, these behaviors help individuals understand how influence works and how to balance results and relationships more effectively.
Asserting
Asserting focuses on expressing expectations, communicating opinions, and providing clear direction. Within the Positive Power & Influence® Model, asserting helps create clarity and accountability.
Persuading
Persuading involves using logic, evidence, and structured arguments to influence opinions and decisions. This behavior helps individuals gain support for ideas and initiatives.
Bridging
Bridging focuses on building understanding, strengthening relationships, and identifying common ground between people and groups.
Attracting
Attracting inspires others through vision, authenticity, and enthusiasm. It helps create commitment and engagement around shared objectives.
Applications of the Positive Power & Influence® Model
The Positive Power & Influence® Model can be applied across a wide range of workplace situations, including:
Many organizations use the model to strengthen stakeholder influence, improve alignment, and gain commitment across projects, initiatives, and organizational change efforts.
Apply the Positive Power & Influence® Model
The Positive Power & Influence® Model provides a practical framework for understanding how influence behaviors affect communication, relationships, and results.
By developing the ability to balance Push and Pull behaviors, professionals can become more adaptable, intentional, and effective in a wide range of workplace situations.
One of the model’s most valuable outcomes is creating alignment across teams, functions, and stakeholders so that people move toward shared objectives with greater commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Positive Power & Influence® Model
How the Positive Power & Influence® Program Works in Practice
The Positive Power & Influence® Model provides the framework — here’s how it comes to life in a real Aprenda Group program.
- FORMAT: The Positive Power & Influence® Program is delivered as an interactive, facilitator-led experience combining short lecture segments, role-plays, case studies, and small-group exercises. Participants spend most of the program applying the model to real workplace situations rather than sitting through theory alone. Available in in-person, virtual instructor-led, and blended formats to fit your organization’s needs.
- DURATION: The standard program runs over 2-5 days / 15 hours, with options to customize the length and depth based on your organization’s objectives and group size.
- PRE-PROGRAM ASSESSMENT: Before the program begins, participants complete a 360-degree feedback assessment that identifies their current influence style and highlights specific opportunities for growth. This data is used throughout the program to give each participant personalized, actionable feedback rather than generic advice.
- GROUP SIZE: Programs are designed for groups of 8 to 16 participants, small enough to allow individual coaching and feedback, large enough to create rich peer learning through role-plays and group exercises.
- APPLICATION AND FOLLOW-THROUGH: Learning doesn’t stop when the session ends. Participants leave with a personal action plan connecting the Push and Pull behaviors to a real influence challenge they’re facing at work, and describe any follow-up coaching, check-ins, or reinforcement materials you offer.
Many professionals apply these concepts when influencing without authority, particularly in matrix organizations where collaboration and stakeholder commitment are critical for success.
How to Get Started
Getting your team started with the Positive Power & Influence® Program takes three steps:
- Schedule a conversation with an Aprenda Group expert to discuss your organization’s goals and challenges.
- Receive a tailored proposal outlining format, timeline, and group size for your organization.
- Launch the program with pre-work, the live session, and post-program application support.
Trusted by organizations worldwide to apply the Positive Power & Influence® Program.