Influencer

The Power to Change Anything

By: Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield

Narrated by: Eric Conger

Length: 8 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

From the New York Times best-selling authors of Crucial Conversations.... Whether your goal is to change minds, change markets, or change the world - anything is possible for an influencer.

Everyone wants to be an influencer. We all want to learn how to help ourselves and others change behavior. And yet, in spite of the fact that we routinely attempt to do everything from lose weight to improve quality at work, few of us have more than one or two ideas about how to exert influence. For the first time, Influencer brings together the breakthrough strategies of contemporary influence masters. By drawing from the skills of hundreds of successful influencers and combining them with five decades of the best social-science research, Influencer shares eight powerful principles for changing behaviors - principles almost anyone can apply to change almost anything.

©2007 Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler (P)2007 HighBridge Company

Encompassing

The promise of the book is huge: how to become a master influencer. In the end it is delivered, but not how you might anticipate. Being a very good influencer is not an easy formula, technique or trick, but requires a thorough understanding of all elements that influence (hence the title) human behavior. As the authors declare, there are six vital sources you should all comprehend as to how they affect us, ordered in 3 groups of 2: motivation and ability on a personal level, a group/social level and a structural/systemic level. This provides a broader framework compared to other bestsellers like Drive, Tipping Point, Wisdom of Crowds and so forth. The framework guides you in a logical way to get a full understanding of the elements of influence. A very good listen! Only drawback is the narrator who emphasizes points a bit too frequent, but not to the point it gets annoying.

Great Positive Book!

I haven't decided yet if I like the way the book is written. It gives you little teasers as it builds its principles. As you continue onto another principle, it gives you a little more of the story. You have to listen to it all pretty much at one time so you don't forget what they were giving you before. Great examples. I highly recommend, especially if you can do the entire listen in a day or two. If you want to be more of an INFLUENCER, then get this and give it a listen; it can change the way you think.

Loved the Stories that Supported the Strategies

If you could sum up Influencer in three words, what would they be?

Concise, entertaining, useable.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Influencer?

I like the fact that the authors used very clear stories to show how and why someone wanted to influence people to do something specific from ridding the world of a disease caused by a parasite to helping ex-convicts regain their lives. I liked the fact that as different strategies were discussed, the authors returned to stories from earlier chapters to show different aspects of influence.

Have you listened to any of Eric Conger’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I had an opportunity to hear Eric Conger narrate training materials for a shipping company a number of years ago. I find his voice very conducive to understanding different types of material. I think he did a fantastic job of conveying the authors' intended humor throughout this book. I specifically chose this edition of the audiobook (which was slightly more expensive) because he was reading it.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. It is useful to listen in smaller sittings because there is a lot to digest and reflect upon.

Very good

Will probably buy the book. Very good content and ideas are well presented. Practical application of ideas which should be easily implementable.

Self help concepts that look at actual results

The authors actually refer to real work examples and results. I found it very helpful.

How to help yourself and others.

The overall text was a great mix of research, examples and encouragement. The author bought some fairly technical research to an everyday Joe level of explanation. His writing is on par with Covey from an audio book perspective to me. Not too long, a great listen on a business trip.

Excellent....

Great book to learn about things that make you think and say....WOW...that was a great idea

Great Audiobook. Very practical advice.

Any additional comments?

Excellent book with a very practical approach to becoming a change agent. The real-life examples are motivating and insightful. I highly recommend this book to anyone who desires to be a better motivator, a change agent, or someone who wants to have a greater impact on their community, workplace, family, or the world.

Excellent rivetting storyline

What did you love best about Influencer?

It lived up to its name

What did you like best about this story?

It allowed you to practice what you learned almost immediately

What about Eric Conger’s performance did you like?

His reading was a true performance

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

His descriptions about the work and successes with ex prisoners.

Any additional comments?

I have to listen to the book a few more times.

foundational knowledge for leading change

i have read this book many times, but it had been a decade since having done so. It’s dense but worthwhile and offers clear insights for practical managment troubles