Influence without Authority

By A Cohen & D Bradford

John Wiley & Sons, 2005

$49.95

As the HR profession evolves, one of the key skills required of modern practitioners is the ability to influence.

With this in mind, the second edition of Influence without Authority is a gem of a book for HR professionals. It provides an effective model for breaking through influencing impasses and details how to build an environment of collaboration, mutual assistance, and real achievement. In an era where HR professionals are often competing for resources, information or support from key stakeholders, the book includes many practical applications such as working cross-functionally, leading major change initiatives, using direct influence and overcoming organisational politics.

Authors Allan Cohen and David Bradford build upon the first edition with new chapters on applying their approach to influencing, or the ‘exchange model’. They argue that this model is especially useful for team leaders and managers, and provide a raft of useful examples for HR practitioners to use in the workplace.

If you work at the highest levels of HR or are new to the game, Influence without Authority lays down the ground rules of how to get what you want in the competitive world of business. Definitely worth a read.