Unit 5: Influencing

5.1 Introduction to Unit 5: Spheres of influence

Razia Sultana (right) shares a laugh with women at the RWWS women's center inside a camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.

This unit explores the relationship between the changemaker and the space available to influence for change. It looks at what influencing is and different approaches you can use to influence others. You will draw on your own experience of being influenced and influencing others to ground your understanding.

You will have an opportunity to apply this thinking, and previous learning about power, systems, and working with others, to identify where you can make tangible differences in influencing for change. The context analysis tool helped you identify your change goal and objectives and in this unit, the power mapping tool will help you to identify the key stakeholders, potential partners and target audiences for the change you wish to see.

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The graphic depicts eight equal-sized circles. At the centre is circle one and the seven other circles orbit around this central circle. Arrows point between the central circle and the outer circles. In the central circle it says Unit 1 understanding ourselves and our own assumptions. The outer circles have the following text. Unit 2 understanding context and how change happens. Unit 3 systems and power. Unit 4 collective action, changemaker characteristics. Unit 5 influencing, power mapping, partners and allies. Unit 6 influencing strategies, messaging and stories. Unit 7 campaigning tactics, action plan, risks. Unit 8 reflection, adaption, overcoming challenges. The Unit 5 circle is coloured green and all the other circles are coloured blue. This emphasises that you are on Unit 5 of the course.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this unit you will:

  • explore the space in which changemakers operate
  • understand the spheres of influence open to you, and also their limitations
  • apply the power mapping tool to your change issue in order to identify key stakeholders and audiences.

5.2 Being influenced... and influential