Advocacy: Championing Ideas and Influencing Others

by John A. Daly

When a group of people gather together to generate ideas for solving a problem or achieving a goal, sometimes the best ideas are passed over. Worse, a problematic suggestion with far less likelihood of success may be selected instead. Why would a group dismiss an option that would be more effective? Leadership and communications expert John Daly has a straightforward it wasn't sold to them as well. If the best idea is yours, how can you increase the chances that it gains the support of the group? In Championing Ideas and Influencing Others , Daly explains in full detail how to transform ideas into practice.

To be successful, leaders in every type of organization must find practical and action-oriented ways to market their ideas and achieve buy-in from the members of the group. Daly offers a comprehensive action guide that explains how to shape opinion, inspire action, and achieve results. Drawing on current research in the fields of persuasion, power relations, and behavior change, he discusses the complex factors involved in selling an idea--the context of the communication, the type of message being promoted, the nature and interests of the audience, the emotional tenor of the issues at stake, and much more. For the businessperson, politician, or any other member of a group who seeks the satisfaction of having his or her own idea take shape and become reality, this book is an essential guide.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1. The Politics of Ideas
Chapter 2. Communicate Your Idea with Impact
Chapter 3. Frame Your Advocacy Message
Chapter 4. Build Your Reputation, Create a Brand
Chapter 5. Form Alliances
Chapter 6. Your Idea Is Only as Good as Its Story
Chapter 7. Who's Making the Decision?
Chapter 8. Network!
Chapter 9. Timing Is Everything
Chapter 10. Create Persuasive Messages
Chapter 11. Make the Idea Matter
Chapter 12. Make a Memorable Case
Chapter 13. Demonstrate Confidence
Chapter 14. Steer Meetings Your Way
Notes
Index

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Self Help, Leadership, Psychology

387 pages, Hardcover

First published August 30, 2011

Reviews

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

The strength of this book lies in the great case studies and examples used to illustrate points; they provide context within a huge range of industries and eras. The arguments are well organized and the suggested courses of action for championing ones own ideas are practical and relevant. I read this book as an adjunct to Prof Daly's business school course and highly recommend his lectures as he brings to life the stories and ideas in this book.

[CJ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dumb and borderline sociopathic. Barely a step above "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" in argument. If you're interested in socially engineering your loved ones, pick it up.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s interesting how advocacy seems to come totally naturally to some folks given how complex it really is. But for the rest of us, this book is so helpful to break it down into digestible strategies and a rational approach.

Super dense but packed with excellent examples and insights into the components of what makes a successful advocate and how to get there.

[Graham Caywood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took a class at McCombs with Professor Daly, and this course (and this book - they are pretty much synonymous for anyone that's taken his course) have helped me as much as any other MBA course in my career. Success is all about Advocating for your ideas, and this book has helped me over and over again. Thanks Professor!

[Leigh Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required for a class by VERY interesting!!!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great practical read for those who are trying to navigate the politics of a workplace and have your voice heard. I learned a lot of strategies that I have already begun to apply in my work life, advocating for students needs.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Daly's book is quite text-heavy, it is valuable in its content. Daly's approach to Advocacy can be utilized by various types of professionals. I read this for a Library Science course, and got a great deal from it that I can use. At the same time, Daly has a somewhat pessimistic, almost manipulative tone to how he constructs his messaging. While I'm not naïve enough to think that marketing and advocacy is *not* manipulative in any form, the state of mind that Daly seems to take to intentionally influence the thoughts of others, made me feel somewhat uncomfortable. Still, what he has to say is not untrue – and is, in fact, quite practical and useful (when viewed through a more humanitarian and empathetic view, in my opinion). Ultimately it is an excellent for leaders of all sorts, and I recommend it... with reservations.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall an interesting read. I read this for a graduate management course taught by the author himself, and he did not disappoint.

The book dives deep into the psychology of decision making and advocacy. How do individuals convince decision makers to adopt their ideas over others? How can we better influence others?

It's a very case-study based book that offers good advice and insight. The only problem I had was it was a bit dry in some places. The lectures are much more interesting, but the material is the same.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helps you better think about you can influence those around you via your everyday actions. Excellent book. John Daly is a well-respected figure in this field and I had the opportunity to take his class. I wish his book was required reading for high-schoolers and undergrads as it would have saved me a lot of trouble in my youth :)

[Bailey L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This course/book by John Daly has and will be extremely helpful no matter where I go or what I do to help me advocate for myself and my ideas in organizations and even in my relationships. It's a combination of Peter Drucker principles with elements of Daniel Goleman's emotional intelligence and Machiavellian power moves to practically apply to one's daily professional life.

[Susie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information with helpful examples.

[Brian S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm taking Dr. Daly' course at UT. Great book. Wonderful professor.