Influence is a skill-set that everyone needs; yet the necessary techniques and fundamentals of exercising influence are rarely taught. In this revised edition of Exercising Influence , Kim Barnes draws on her thirty years of consulting, teaching and observation to demystify the process of influencing others. This vital resource teaches how to accomplish more with less effort. It shows readers how to create work, family, and community relationships that are more balanced and mutually rewarding, and to take charge of their lives in a powerful, ethical, and productive way. Exercising Influence uses a practical real-world model that will help readers discover how to:
CONTEXT I was interested in the systemic lack of low-income, domestic housing. I hoped this book would equip me with strategies and tactics for instigating grassroots influence movements.
SUMMARY It was fun and easy to read. It seemed designed for HR professionals to influence change in their companies' employees.
REVIEW Unfortunately, my reading experience was underwhelming. It might be great for other readers.
The clear distinction between Expressive and Receptive behaviors during an influence process is the key contribution of this book. Further hands-on practice will help to assimilate appropriate language in different circumstances. Lacks the incorporation of the insights from cognitive psychologists.
Good overview of influence skills. I like the inclusion of "context" in the influence model as well as the two categories of influence behaviors. These are expressive influence and receptive influence behaviors.
Expressive influence "sends your ideas and energy out to others" (p. 29) and comes in the form of telling, selling, negotiating, or enlisting.
Receptive influence "invites others to contribute ideas, information, and action" (p. 39) and comes in the form of inquiring, listening, attuning, and facilitating behaviors.
I was pretty disappointed with this book. It was recommended to me in a training but I didn't find it that good. I think it is getting a little old now. I would recommend the trusted advisor instead. I think this is much better on the topic :)