How to Have a Positive Impact on People

In every interaction we have with other people—whether face-to-face, online, or in writing—we encounter what we call ‘The Difference Moment’. This critical moment dictates whether our response will be positive or negative. Our participation can either contribute positively to enriching and empowering the other person(s) (and ourselves in the process), or it can contribute negatively by disempowering and diminishing them, while diminishing our own standing as well. This is the ‘Difference Moment’: the instant at which our reaction carries significant positive or negative consequences.

This course provides an essential introduction to the importance of ‘influencing skills’—the sophisticated techniques we can use to try and ensure that the difference we make in every interaction is a resoundingly positive one. Following a short video introduction, the course offers four video-based lessons : (1) What are influencing skills? Clarifying the meaning of influencing skills and why they are so important. (2) Tools for making a positive difference (Parts I to III): These three lessons strategically use the ‘Getting CLOSER’ framework—a proprietary system—to outline some of the most useful, actionable tools you can draw upon to ensure a positive outcome. An essential component of the course is the Module Companion Workbook, which you must print out before starting. Mastering The Difference Moment is key to building a rewarding professional life.