Dr. Vanessa Bohns is a social psychologist, author, and professor of organizational behavior at Cornell University. Her research explores how we perceive our influence — and how often we get it wrong.

In this episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, Vanessa and Crisp Founder & CEO Michael Mogill explore the place of influence in leadership through:

The implications of underestimating (or overestimating) our own influence
How facts are often less effective at changing behavior than social norms
Why effective leaders see influence as a responsibility

Links & Resources

Episode Show Notes
You Have More Influence Than You Think: How We Underestimate Our Power of Persuasion, and Why It Matters by Dr. Vanessa Bohns
Behavioral Contagion
Invisibility Cloak Illusion
Spotlight Effect
Diffusion of Responsibility
Bystander Effect
The Liking Gap

Dr. Bohn’s 3 Steps to Understanding Influence:

Visualize your influence from a third-party perspective. (Suggestion: what if you were reviewing a tape of your performance as a leader?)
Gather true perspectives.
Experience your influence. (Suggestion: write a letter of gratitude to someone who helped you on your path.)

202. Dr. Vanessa Bohns — You Have More Influence Than You Think [Encore Edition]