John Ullmen, who lecutres on leadership at the UCLA Anderson School of Management, co-wrote "Real Influence: Persuade Without Pushing and Gain Without Giving In," a book about the psychological aspects of persuading and also being persuaded. The book provides a powerful four-step method you can use to examine your priorities, learn about the key players and what they need, earn their attention and motivate them to hear more, and add value with your questions and actions.

Ullmen, who also oversees MotivationRules.com, has also taught a variety of courses in the MBA, FEMBA and EMBA programs. His courses cover leadership, motivating performance, interpersonal communication, building professional relationships and networks, managing conflict, exercising influence, building personal brands and team effectiveness.