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Influencer

Name: Influencer
ISBN: 9780071808866

by Kerry Patterson

8.02 / 10 15K ratings

Language: English
Published: 2013
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
Pages: 320
ISBN: 9780071808866

Discover a proven framework for driving significant, lasting change in any area of your life or organization. This book presents a multi-step approach to understanding and mastering the art of influence, moving beyond simple persuasion to implement strategies that address the root causes of persistent problems. It outlines how to identify the specific behaviors that lead to profound change and then activate six distinct sources of influence to make those changes inevitable.

Uncover how to reshape personal habits, enhance team productivity, or tackle larger societal challenges by applying principles derived from behavioral science and real-world examples. This guide equips you with the tools to foster motivation and ability across personal, social, and structural dimensions, allowing you to create measurable and sustainable improvements in your personal life, your business, and the wider world.

Original edition

Influencer

Originally published in 2007 English McGraw Hill Education

Other editions (3)

What other readers say

Liked

The book is widely praised for its clear, articulate, and well-researched approach to influencing behavioral change. Many readers found it to be an indispensable resource, offering a robust framework grounded in scientific principles and illustrated with numerous real-world case studies. Reviewers highlight its broad applicability across diverse settings, from personal development and parenting to leadership, teamwork, and business initiatives. The book is seen as highly practical, providing valuable insights and actionable strategies for understanding why influence attempts often fail and what it takes to achieve profound and sustainable change. It is appreciated for making the daunting task of changing entrenched human behavior seem possible and for empowering individuals and organizations to become effective influencers without necessarily relying on vast resources.

Disliked

Despite its strengths, several readers found the book to be repetitive and slow-paced, particularly in its initial chapters. A common criticism points to the frequent reuse of a limited set of examples, which some felt were not always directly relevant or relatable to their specific contexts, such as corporate culture in high-tech firms. Some reviewers described the writing style as dull, monotonous, and lacking humor or engaging storytelling, contrasting it unfavorably with other popular non-fiction works. Others found the flow confusing, making it difficult to extract worthwhile lessons, or perceived certain terminology as overly academic or "presumptuous." There were also comments about the book being less hands-on than expected, with a desire for more tangible summaries or a broader range of organizational examples.

In short

Overall, "Influencer" is regarded as a powerful and transformative resource for understanding and implementing behavioral change. While it may require a thoughtful and committed reader due to its academic underpinnings and sometimes repetitive nature, its core methodology is considered highly valuable. This book is particularly recommended for leaders, managers, educators, parents, and anyone responsible for instigating or managing change within an organization, a community, or even in their own life. It offers a comprehensive, data-driven approach for those serious about making a lasting impact and who are prepared to dedicate effort to applying its principles, rather than seeking quick or superficial "tricks" for influencing others.

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