How the Influence Model Works
Understand how different influence styles shape communication, collaboration and workplace results.
The Influence Model® helps professionals adapt their approach to different people, situations and objectives while strengthening relationships and improving outcomes
Why Influence Becomes Difficult
Many professionals rely too heavily on one communication style. Some push too hard. Others avoid tension and struggle to express expectations clearly. Both approaches create friction, misunderstanding and resistance. Effective influence requires flexibility.
Most professionals are not trained to adapt their influence approach, which is why these patterns repeat across organizations.
Positive Influence Balances Results and Relationships
The Positive Power & Influence® Model is based on a simple but powerful principle: effective influence achieves objectives while maintaining strong working relationships. In other words, it is not about choosing between results and relationships, but about achieving both — consistently.
To make this possible, the model helps professionals recognize how their behavior affects others and understand how to adapt more effectively in different situations. By developing this awareness and flexibility, individuals can align their actions with both performance goals and relational impact, turning influence into a consistent and sustainable capability.
Two Fundamental Influence Approaches
PUSH
Push styles move situations forward through clarity, direction and positive assertiveness.
PULL
Pull styles build engagement, alignment and trust through collaboration and listening
Pull and Push, both are necessary. The challenge is knowing when to apply each.
The Most Effective Influencers Adapt Their Style
The most effective professionals do not rely on instinct alone. They adapt deliberately.
Different people and situations require different influence approaches.
The Positive Power & Influence® Model helps professionals move between Push and Pull styles depending on:
The ability to adapt one’s influence style to the situation is one of the foundations of effective workplace influence.
The Four Influence Styles
The model translates into four practical influence styles that can be applied in real situations:
Asserting
Using clarity and directness to move action forward
Persuading
Using logic and reasoning to influence decisions
Bridging
Building understanding and common ground
Attracting
Creating engagement through authenticity and inspiration
Designed for Real Organizational Situations
The model is designed for real-work application, not theoretical understanding
How Participants Develop Influence Skills
Participants learn to apply the model through a structured progression:
Assess
Identify current influence patterns and challenges.
Learn
Understand the Positive Power and Influence® Model and influence styles.
Practice
Apply the model through experiential exercises and feedback.
Apply
Transfer learning directly into workplace situations.
Develop More Effective Influence Skills
Help your teams strengthen communication, collaboration and leadership effectiveness through practical influence training.
See how our training can be applied in your organization: