ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the types, degrees and methods of influence. Two types of influence can be categorized; namely soft and hard. The concepts of soft and hard influence are commonly used in politics. Soft influence utilizes communication, engagement and knowledge sharing. Hard influence introduces laws, rules, regulations and incentive structures. Influence can be considered as the ability to have power over others. It is a core skill required in business and it is often seen used in the following situations are leadership, motivation and persuasion, business development, sales and marketing, management, and communication and engagement. Exemplary methods include using charisma, reputation, bully pulpit, peer pressure and centres of influence. Realizing that there are two main modes of influence can also be useful during project implementations. When faced with a challenging project situation, by a need to rally the troops or to influence decision making, having some structure around methodologies of influence can be useful.
