Influence without Authority, Second Edition

Appendix A. Extended Case Examples Available on the Web

To view any of the followingcase examples in full, paste into your browser: http://www.influencewithoutauthority.com. These are rich, detailed descriptions, and analysis, with action on many organizational levels.

The Career of Nettie Seabrooks: Influence against All Odds

As an African American and a woman, Nettie Seabrooks had more than her share of hurdles to leap to acquire influence—especially at General Motors, where her career began. Her remarkable story offers invaluable lessons for gaining influence in the importance of:

• Doing quality work as a way of gaining credibility and positive reputation, which are the entry price for influence. Influence requires more than a technique.

• Cultivating strong relationships.

• Placing the organization's interests first, so you are not seen as self-serving.

• Avoiding self-inflicted traps, such as writing difficult people off, missing learning opportunities, or failing to notice what others want.

To go directly to this case, the address is

http://www.influencewithoutauthority.com/nettieseabrooks.html.

Warren Peters Navigates a Complex, Multistaged Exchange Process: Working within Organizational Realities

In trying to replace a direct report at his insurance company, Warren Peters ran into conflict with the more senior manager of his favored candidate. Warren had to decide whether to fight for his choice, and once he did, find a way to preserve his relationship while getting the result he wanted. ...