Why Your Favorite Influence Style Might Be Holding You Back

Most professionals rely on their natural influencing style.

Some persuade with facts. Others assert authority. A few bridge through empathy or inspire with vision.

The problem? In high-stakes moments, that comfort zone becomes a trap.

I recently led a workshop in Malta on "The Art of Influence." The biggest aha moment? You need to flex across styles—push and pull—to be effective.

We explored 4 key styles:

✅ Persuasion (Push – Logic, data)

✅ Assertion (Push – Authority, clarity)

✅ Bridging (Pull – Relationships, empathy)

✅ Inspiring (Pull – Vision, purpose)

One participant put it perfectly: “I always push information. But sometimes, I need to listen, like in Aikido.”

🎯 Your natural style is your joker—but nobody plays with jokers only.

Which style do you overuse? And which one could you develop next?