Influencer

About the Author

The book "Influencer: The Power to Change Anything" is a collaborative work by a team of authors known for their expertise in organizational behavior and leadership. Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler bring together a wealth of experience and knowledge in behavioral science and influence strategies. The authors are renowned for their previous bestsellers, "Crucial Conversations" and "Crucial Confrontations," which have been instrumental in shaping effective communication and leadership practices.

Kerry Patterson has a background in organizational behavior from Stanford University, contributing his academic insights to the book's foundation. Joseph Grenny, an acclaimed keynote speaker and consultant, brings practical experience in leadership development. David Maxfield, with his doctoral work in psychology at Stanford University, adds a research-based approach to understanding influence. Ron McMillan, co-founder of the Covey Leadership Center, and Al Switzler, a director of training and management initiatives for Fortune 500 companies, complete the team with their rich backgrounds in leadership and management.

Main Idea

The central premise of "Influencer" is the idea that anyone can become a powerful influencer by mastering a set of principles and strategies. The book explores how individuals can effectively change behaviors and thoughts, both within themselves and in others, by leveraging six sources of influence. The authors argue that most profound, pervasive, and persistent problems in life and work can be solved through a systematic approach to influence, which involves identifying high-leverage behaviors and applying various influence strategies to make change inevitable.

"Most of us stop trying to make change happen because we believe it is too difficult, if not impossible. Instead we develop complicated coping strategies when we should be learning the tools and techniques of the world's most influential people." - Kerry Patterson et al.

Table of Contents

• You're an Influencer
• Find Vital Behaviors
• Change the Way You Change Minds
• Make Change Inevitable
• Make the Undesirable Desirable
• Surpass Your Limits
• Harness Peer Pressure
• Become an Opinion Leader
• Find Strength in Numbers
• Design Rewards and Demand Accountability
• Change the Environment

You're an Influencer

The authors begin by asserting that everyone has the potential to be an influencer. They draw on the work of renowned social scientists, particularly Dr. Albert Bandura, to demonstrate that behavior can be changed through observation and modeling. The book highlights examples of successful influencers who have tackled seemingly insurmountable challenges. For instance, Dr. Mimi Silbert transformed the lives of former criminals and addicts through the Delancey Street Foundation, showcasing how targeted influence strategies can lead to profound change.