The HI Factor: The Advancement of Influential Communication

Many societal roles rely on the ability to influence, including corporate leaders, politicians, therapists, advertisers, educators, and even parents. Success is directly tied to the ability to influence others—to shape their views, modify their behaviour, and secure their commitment.

Take Pat Smith, for example. Pat is a typical sales manager in a medium-sized industrial company in Toronto. On a daily basis, Pat must assume the role of

• leader

• trainer

• coach

• mentor

• advocate

• counselor

• and sales professional

In order to succeed in these roles, Pat must be influential: securing the team’s commitment for next year’s sales goals, for completing new sales reports willingly, and perhaps, for improving the way they deliver sales presentations.

The HI Factor is written by HORN’s leader of the Blended Learning Solutions team, Lisa Young.