40. Influence: Leading Without Authority

In this episode of Power Skills with Janna, we explore the leadership superpower that matters most in today’s matrix world: Influence Without Authority. With 67% of work happening outside formal reporting lines (Harvard Business Review, 2022), Janna unpacks Robert Cialdini’s 7 Principles of Persuasion—the gold standard of ethical influence. From reciprocity and social proof to scarcity, authority, consistency, liking, and unity, she shares neuroscience insights (amygdala resistance vs. oxytocin trust) and real stories of leaders turning resistance into collaboration. Practical tools and a 3-step influence formula make this immediately actionable. Because what you focus on, you amplify.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why influence, not authority, drives 67% of modern work.
• How Cialdini’s 7 principles (backed by decades of research) work with human psychology.
• Practical ways to give first, use social proof, create urgency, and build unity.
• A 3-step formula (Reciprocity + Social Proof + Scarcity/Unity) for any influence conversation.
• How to make influence ethical, intentional, and powerful.

🎧 Tune in for stories of leaders shifting from 40% to 92% success, neuroscience insights, and a challenge to influence someone without using your title. Connect on LinkedIn @PowerSkillsDevelopment or visit www.PowerSkillsDevelopment.com. Subscribe to Power Pause for weekly leadership nudges. Influence wisely, friends!