Seamos personas de influencia: Cómo impactar positivamente a los demás

by John C. Maxwell, Jim Dornan

Con influencia, usted puede lograr el éxito en el hogar, el trabajo, y en toda área de la vida.

Cualquiera que sea su vocación o aspiración, usted puede aumentar el impacto que tiene sobre los demás al convertirse en una persona de influencia. 

Ya sea que desse crear un negocio, fortalecer a sus hijos, o alcanzar al mundo, usted puede lograrlo elevando su nivel de influencia en la vida de los demás. 

Genres: Leadership, Business, Personal Development, Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology, Christian

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 22, 2012

About the author

John Calvin Maxwell is an American author, speaker, and pastor who has written many books, primarily focusing on leadership. Titles include The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. Some of his books have been on the New York Times Best Seller List.

Reviews

[Tony Rogers Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first chapter alone was worth the price of this book. The rest of the book could have been blank pages with smiley faces along the top and I would still be happy.

The first chapter of this book is about two things
1. The #1 key to influencing people which is trust
2. How to gain trust which is being a person of integrity

Great read and something I will re-read throughout life.

[Phil Lamb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maxwell does a nice job but it seems to simple to me. It is more like a good religious read rather than great content on how it will apply to the leadership world.
I recommend it but don't expect it to cause you to think much. Just a lite read. Decaf coffee not good Cuban Expresso.

[Aimee Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first John Maxwell book! It was really awesome! It taught me that I can be a woman of influence wherever I am. Also this helped me in learning how to lead my Life Group and how be a good leader to my disciples. This book is best for church leaders, managers, supervisors, business men, and ordinary men/women who are destined for greatness! :) The book made me realize that I was born to influence, I am born to lead. :) #BornForThis

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another priceless book. Place this alongside the books "How to Win Friends and Influence People", "7 Habits of Highly Effective People", and "The Science Of Self-Confidence", and you will be ready to change some lives. This book expounds on the importance of being a leader.

Most importantly, a leader is not just somebody who tells others to do, but they are a role model. They are somebody that looks to make others succeed.

An INFLUENCER is a person who:
Has (I)ntegrity
(N)urturs others.
Has (F)aith in others.
(L)istens to others.
(U)nderstands others.
(E)nlarges others.
(N)avigates others through life.
(C)onnects with others.
(E)mpowers others.
And (R)eproduces themselves in others.

Leadership is a very important subject of study, because:

We are an influencer whether we realize it or not. Every action we take always has an impact on others lives. The question is, what legacy are you leaving behind? If you were to look back upon your life and see the fruit of your actions, thoughts, attitudes, and achievements, what would you see? Does your current life match what deeply matters to you? If not, then it's time to change your life and focus on what really matters to you.

"How different our lives are when we really know what is deeply important to us, and keeping that picture in mind, we manage ourselves each day to be and to do what really matters most." - Stephen R. Covey


Trials come in life, but the beauty is that we have a choice to be what we want to be. We can be strong, move on, and learn from each hardship, becoming better people, and in turn influencing others to be the same.

"The remarkable thing is, we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day." - Charles R. Swindoll

"You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you." - Brian Tracy


Every thought and attitude you embrace right now has an effect on your character. Start to embrace the thoughts that are in line with what you want to be, and slowly you will see yourself turning into that kind of person that you want to be.

"Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny." - Stephen R. Covey


How do you want to be remembered by others? You have the power to choose, and to be remembered as someone who was extraordinary.


And always remember, it starts with a choice:
Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless dreams and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too... Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.
- William Hutchison Murray

[Ben Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book from John Maxwell. The only thing is that he’s starting to get repetitive among the various books he’s written. This is now the 4th book of his I’ve read, and I remain a big fan. This is a good short book as an intro to his work though

[Sandra Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all have a desire to make a difference in the world. The book "Becoming a Person of Influence" focuses on using your writing and communication skills to motivate and influence others to achieve success.

The book focuses on meeting people where they are and then developing them through various styles of communication.

The idea of the author is to identify the barriers to success and then challenge your audience to overcome them, with communication being your main tool.

A few great examples are listed, but one point stood out to me in particular: saying the right things is so paramount to influencing people, that virtually every politician uses speech writers. This way they can take their ideas and use them to empower people instead of offending them.

[David Owen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good and compact book on leading and mentoring others, but was also a bit repetitive and didn't really say anything new.

[Synthia Salomon · Rating 3 out of 5]

influence isn’t about authority or control, but about making a genuine, positive impact on the lives of others. By following the four stages of influence – modeling, motivating, mentoring, and multiplying – anyone can grow their impact, regardless of their position or title. 

This journey begins with simple actions, like demonstrating integrity, showing empathy, and building trust over time. Then, by consistently showing care and investment, you’ll start to see the effect of your inspiration take hold as people tap into their full potential. In time, your positive impact will inevitably ripple out as those you influence become influencers in their own right. 

Becoming a person of positive impact requires tremendous intention and a commitment to serving others over self-interest. However, the rewards far outweigh the effort. Growing your influence can lead to fulfillment and success beyond your wildest dreams, and make a profound difference not just in your life, but in the lives of many. 

[Richard Felix · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great beginners book on its self explanatory book tittle “BECOMING A PERSON of INFLUENCE” it’s easy to follow and understand with its step by step process to rise to higher levels of INFLUENTIAL Person ( man or woman),
it really surprised me on how there’s a few qualities that I’ve been unaware not knowing that I have that also I’ve influenced people in my life not being my intention, what I’ve understand and now aware is to focus on and strengthen n improve these STRENGTHS influence skills to become that BETTER person am striving to become. It’s a enjoyable easy to understand and read Book 📖 even surprised me also that it’s a book on HOW to PROCESS to mentor people a step by step process ( never seen that in a book and it has it here ) awesome!
Recommended book to read👍🏻📖

[Karla Vasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this book breaks down the ways to become a person of influence. The chapters are very well planned out and it leaves me ready to attack the task at hand. Def a must read for personal and profesional development.

[Vilma Nuñez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buen libro para emprendedores, CEOs y jefes que quieren ser mejores al tratar a otros a nivel profesional y en su entorno personal. Aunque muchas cosas las sabes, te viene bien que te las recuerden con historias.

[CV Rick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Becoming a Christian person of influence. All I could really parse is faith, worship, and Christianity center everything. Bleh

[Popa Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Foarte faina. Mi-au placut citatele oamenilor celebri in punctele cheie.

"Influenta:
1. Modelare
Oamenii sunt influentati in primul rand de ceea ce vad.
2. Motivare
Procesul cuprinde doua aspecte: crearea unei punti intre tine si ceilalti si castigarea increderii celorlalti si stimularea increderii in ei insisi.
3. Indrumarea
Oferindu-te pe tine, ajutandu-i pe ceilalti sa depaseasca obstacolele din viata si aratandu-le cum sa evolueze personal si profesional, tu ii vei ajuta sa atinga un nou nivel in viata. Poti face cu adevarat o schimbare in viata lor.
4. Multiplicarea
"Exista oameni ale caror sentimente si bunastare sunt sub influenta mea. Nu voi uita niciodata acest lucru."

"O viata nu este importanta decat prin impactul pe care il are asupra altor vieti."

Nu face ceea ce nu ti-ar face placere sa citesti despre tine a doua zi in ziare.

Increderea este factorul cel mai important in relatiile personale si profesionale.

Omul care nu are viata interioara este sclavul anturajului.

Principiile etice nu sunt flexibile.

Integritatea se infaptuieste punand caracterul inaintea castigului material, oamenii inaintea lucrurilor, serviciul peste putere, principiile inaintea convenabilului, perspectiva inaintea momentului.

Fiecare simte nevoia sa fie pretuit.
Nu presupune niciodata ca oamenii stiu ce simti pentru ei. Spune-le-o! Nimanui nu i se pare ca i se spune prea des ca este iubit.
Si stii, de asemenea, ca esti mult mai usor influentat de cei care se poarta frumos cu tine.

Creierele sunt ca si inimile - ele se duc acolo unde sunt apreciate.

Fiecare este avid de apreciere si recunoastere.
Aminteste-ti numele oamenilor si ai grija sa le arati ca-ti pasa de ei. Recunoaste-le meritele ori de cate ori ai ocazia.

"Flateaza-ma, si nu te voi crede. Critica-ma, si nu te voi placea. Ignora-ma, si nu te voi ierta. Incurajeaza-ma, si nu te voi uita." Ward

Lipsa de incurajare poate priva o persoana de a duce o viata imbelsugata si productiva.

Natura auto-evaluarii are un efect profund asupra valorii cuiva, credintelor, procesului de gandire, sentimentelor, nevoilor si telurilor.

Ce avea la el A. Lincoln in noaptea in care a fost impuscat: un briceag, ochelari, 5 dolari, niste decupaje dintr-un ziar vechi preamarind zgomotos realizarile lui de presedinte. Aceasta incepea cu: "Abe Lincoln este unul dintre cei mai mari oameni de stat ai tuturor timpurilor..."

Mama lui Tommy era o educatoare. Ea credea in el. Ii dadea lectii acasa, si de fiecare data cand avea un esec ii dadea speranta si il incuraja sa continue sa incerce. (Thomas Edison) Cand oamenii au speranta, este incredibil cat de departe pot ajunge.

Cand crezi in oameni, ei fac imposibilul. Nancy Dornan

Crede in ei inainte ca ei sa reusesca. Evidentiaza-le trasaturile puternice.
Trece-le in revista succesele anterioare.
Insufla-le incredere cand dau gres.
Castiga cateva victorii impreuna.
Fa-i sa vada succesele viitoare.
Asteapta un nou nivel de viata.

Intreprinzatorul Mary Kay Ash sfatuieste:"Fiecare are un semn invizibil ce-i atarna de gat si spune: 'Fa-ma sa ma simt important!' Sa nu uiti niciodata acest mesaj cand lucrezi cu oamenii." Una dintre cele mai bune cai de a face acest lucru este sa-i ajuti sa-si amintesca succesele lor trecute.

Potrivit lui Denis Waitley: "Sabia invingatorului nu este daruita din nastere, nu tine de coeficientul de inteligenta sau talent. Sabia invingatorului consta in atitudine, nu in aptitudine. Atitudinea este criteriul succesului".

Robert Louis Stevenson spune: "Sa fim ceea ce suntem si sa devenim ceea ce suntem capabili sa devenim este singurul rost al vietii"

Iata noua sugestii care sa te ajute sa fii un ascultator mai bun:
1. Priveste-l pe vorbitor
2. Nu intrerupe
3. Concentreaza-te pe intelegere
4. Descopera nevoia momentului
5. Controleaza-ti emotiile
6. Renunta la judecata
7. Rezuma din cand in cand
8. Pune intrebari pentru clarificare
9. Fa-ti intotdeauna o prioritate din a asculta


Cel mai putin important cuvant:Eu
Cel mai important cuvant: Noi
Cele mai importante doua cuvinte: Va multumesc
Cele mai importante 3 cuvinte: Totul este iertat
4 cuvinte: Care este parerea dumneavoastra?
5 cuvinte: Ai facut o treaba buna.
6 cuvinte: Vreau sa te inteleg mai bine.

Pentru a fi o persoana cu influenta, trebuie sa-i iubesti pe oameni inainte de a incerca sa-i conduci. Din momentul in care vor sti ca iti pasa de ei, isi vor schimba atitudinea fata de tine.

Lucruri despre oameni pe care orice trebuie sa le cunoasca:
1. Fiecare doreste sa fie cineva
2. Nimanui nu-i pasa cat de mult stii, pana cand nu va sti cat de mult iti pasa
3. Oricine are nevoie de cineva
4. Fiecare poate fi cineva cand exista cineva care il intelege si crede in el
5. Cine ajuta pe cineva influenteaza o multime de oameni

Autorul Harper Lee scrie: "Oamenii in general vad ceea ce cauta si aud ceea ce asculta."

Omul de stat britanic William Gladstone spunea in secolul XIX-lea: "Intelept este omul care nu-si iroseste energia pentru lucruri care nu i se potrivesc; si e si mai intelept cel care dintre dintre lucrurile pe care le face bine il alege si il urmeaza pe acela pe care-l face cel mai bine".

Omul de afaceri George Crane spunea ca: "Nu exista viitor in nici o munca. Viitorul se afla in cel care detine slujba."

Majoritatea oamenilor sunt ciudati, ei vor sa mearga inainte si sa aiba succes, dar sunt refractari la schimbare. Ei sunt adesea doritori sa se dezvolte doar cat sa-si rezolve probleme, cand de fapt trebuie sa se dezvolte pana intr-atat incat sa-si atinga potentialul.

Eseistul francez Michel Eyquem de Montaigne a scris: "Valoarea vietii consta nu in lungimea zilelor, ci in utilizarea pe care le-o dam; un om poate trai mult si totusi putin"

Poti sa ii inveti pe altii ceea ce stii, dar poti reproduce doar ceea ce vezi.

"Capacitatea de a-si dezvolta si perfectiona abilitatile este cea care-i distinge pe lideri de adeptii lor."

Nu numai ca tu trebuie sa fii pe cel mai inalt nivel al cresterii tale personale, dar trebuie sa continui sa cresti.

Albert Schweitzer sustinea ca marele secret al succesului este sa treci prin viata ca un om care nu inceteaza sa-si foloseasca aptitudinile.

Cel mai mare obstacol in calea descoperirii nu este ignoranta. Este iluzia ca stii.

Fa-ti din cresterea personala una dintre primele prioriati inca de azi. Nu este timp de pierdut. Thomas Carlyle, ganditor si scriitor scotian, a spus: "O viata, o licarire intre doua eternitati; niciodata o a doua sansa pentru noi". Orice zi care trece fara sa inveti ceva nou este o ocazie pierduta sa te perfectionezi si sa-si dezvolti pe altii.

Alege cu grija persoanele pe care sa le indrumi
Educa, iubeste si motiveaza persoanele ranite, dar revarsa-te numai catre cei care vor creste si vor face saltul calitativ.

Compozitorul Gian Carlo Menotti sustinea: "Iadul incepe in ziua in care Dumnezeu ne da clarviziunea a tot ceea ce puteam sa realizam, a tututor darurilor pe care le-am risipit, a tuturor lucrurilor pe care le puteam face si nu le-am facut"

Inotatorul medaliat cu aur olimpic, Geffrey Gaberino, rezuma aceasta in felul urmator: "Principala competitie este intotdeauna intre ceea ce ai facut si ceea ce esti capabil sa faci."

Marele om de stat britanic Benjamin Disraeli declara: "Hraneste-te cu ganduri mari, pentru ca altfel nu vrei ajunge niciodata mai sus de gandurile tale'.

Martin Luther King Jr. spunea: "Cea mai buna masura a unui om nu este cum se comporta in momentele de confort si comoditate, ci in momentele de incercare si cumpana."

"Ori de cate ori esti cinstit si te porti in consecinta, o forta a succesului te va conduce spre succese mai mari."

Ronald Osborn remarca: "Daca nu incerci sa faci ceva dincolo de ceea ce deja ai reusit sa faci, nu vei creste niciodata."

Aspecte in procesul de dezvoltare:
1. Atitudinea
Mai mult decat orice altceva, atitudinea determina daca oamenii au succes si sunt capabili sa se bucure de viata.
2. Relatiile
3. Conducerea
Daca cei pe care-i dezvolti planuiesc sa lucreze cu altii, trebuia sa invete sa-i conduca; daca nu, vor duce singuri intreaga povara in orice au de facut.
4. Aptitudini personale si profesionale

Cresterea lor vine din ceea ce fac ei zilnic dupa ce decizia a fost luata.

Daca poti sa-i ajuti sa devina autodidacti pe viata, inseamna ca le-ai oferit un dar incredibil.

"Nimeni nu devine bogat daca nu il imbogateste pe altul."

Invat ca trebuie sa ofer bucurie pentru a avea bucurie in viata.

Fiecare este putin singur, in adancul lui, si striga sa fie inteles.

Un lider este cel care vede mai mult decat vad altii, vede mai departe decat vad altii si vede inainte sa vada ceilalti. Leroy Eims

Fericirea, bogatia si succesul sunt produsi auxiliari ai cautarii telului; ele nu pot fi telul insusi.

O regula buna este de a-ti fixa telurile in beton si a-ti scrie planurile in nisip.

Vestea proasta este ca, cu cat o persoana ajunge mai sus - personal sau profesional, cu atat viata sa devine mai complicata. Dar vestea buna este ca daca va continuacsa creasca si sa se dezvolte, capacitatea sa de a face fata problemelor creste si ea.

Din orice criza vine sansa de a renaste.

Masura succesului nu este daca te-ai confruntat cu o problema dura, ci daca ea este aceeasi problema ca anul trecut.

Adevarul este ca-i de o suta de ori mai usor sa-i critici pe altii decat sa gasesti solutii la problemele lor. Dar critica nu te duce nicaieri.
Cea mai buna cale de a face sa inceteze criticile este sa rezolve problema si sa treaca mai departe.

Timpul, gandirea si o atitudine pozitiva pot rezolva aproape orice.

O cale simpla de rezolvare a unei probleme este mai buna decat una mai inteligenta.

Ceea ce crezi tu inseamna mai mult decat orice altceva in viata. Daca oamenii raman increzatori, vor fi capabili sa depaseasca orice obstacol.

Prietenul tau cel mai bun este cel care scoate ceea ce este mai bun din tine.

Odata ce rezolvarea problemelor devine un obicei, nici o provocare nu pare prea mare.

9 pasi pentru a te conecta cu oamenii
1. Nu te lasa condus de presupuneri
Sa-i pretuiesti pe oameni este primul pas spre un proces de conectare.
2. Sa poti face diferenta
Credem ca totul se ridica sau se prabuseste datorita artei de a conduce. Suntem siguri ca atitudinea omului este cea care-l face sau il distruge.
3. Initiaza miscarea catre ei
4. Cauta baze comune
Toate lucrurile fiind egale, oamenii vor face afaceri cu cei pe care ii plac. Lucrurile nefiind toate egale, ei tot o vor face.
O data ce ti-ai facut o obisnuinta din a cauta o baza comuna cu altii, iti vei da seama ca poti sa vorbesti cu aproape oricine si ajungi acolo de unde stii ca poti sa ii iei.
5. Recunoaste si respecta diferentele de personalitate
Sanguin: doreste distractia, extrovertit, orientat spre relatii, spiritual, popular, emotional, optimist, sincer - conecteaza-te prin pasiune
Melancolic: perfectiune, introvertit, constiincios, organizat si pesimist - incercand sa te concentrezi
Flegmatic: linistea, introvertit, vointa puternica, pesimist, condus de scopuri - da-le garantii
Coleric: puterea si controlul, vointa, neemotional, extrovertit, organizat, sincer, optimist - prin putere
6. Gaseste cheia spre viata celorlalti
7. Comunica din inima
8. Impartaseste-ti experientele obisnuite
9. Odata conectat, mergi inainte

Daca vrei ca altii sa te respecte, trebuie sa le arati la randul tau respect.

Aminteste-ti doar ca atata timp cat continui sa cresti si sa te dezvolti, vei avea ceva de oferit si nu trebuie sa te ingrijorezi ca vei fi inlocuit.

Omul care obtine cele mai satisfacatoare rezultate nu este intotdeauna omul cu mintea cea mai stralucita, ci mai degraba cel care coordoneaza cel mai bine creierele si talentele asociatilor sai.

Toate bataliile semnificative se poarta in interiorul sinelui.

"Ceea ce facem in unele ocazii importante depinde probabil de ceea ce suntem deja; iar ceea ce suntem este rezultatul anilor anteriori de auto-disciplina." Dezvoltarea personala ofera dividente.

Nici un om nu poate deveni un mare lider daca vrea sa faca totul singur sau sa acumuleze tot meritul pentru a-l fi facut.

Urmareste unul, fa unul, invata unul.

Nu judeca fiecare zi dupa recolta pe care ai strans-o, ci dupa semintele pe care le-ai sadit.

Cresterea vine doar daca faci din ea un obicei.

[Ayham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, however, too much stories that may bored the reader.

[Brittany Ortega · Rating 2 out of 5]

No. Just No. Let’s start with the cover. This is a perfect case of this cover targeting the audience it wants. Old white men who just want their ideas parroted back to them. Luckily, if you’re that person you will not be disappointed. This book was rife with opinions that were unfounded and extremely sexist and racially biased if not just downright racist. Let’s also mention NONE of the opinions stated has studies or statistics. The books that were in the bibliography were almost all religious or news based and not research based, making this more obviously a case on confirmation bias than actual information. I spent most of this book with my eyebrows in my hairline and legit saying “WHAT?!”. Some quotes that had zero research to support them were:
“Sad to say, it [integrity] no longer appears to be the norm, and when confronted by an example of honest character in action, many people seem shocked. Common decency is no longer common” that’s the conclusion, a new section then begins.
It proceeds on to talk about how society has tanked further, in no specific time frame, by professing:
“Just about everywhere you look, you see examples of moral breakdown. TV preachers fall morally; mothers drown their children; professional athletes are found with drugs and prostitutes in hotel rooms. The list keeps growing.”
Needless to say I did not find this book useful or helpful in “becoming a person of influence” and prefer research based self improvement books that don’t seek to preach unfounded beliefs and continued stories of poor customer service

[Melsene G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for anyone who wishes to understand how to become a person of influence. I found this book in a storage box from several moves ago and inside the cover was a touching card from a good friend. She was a smart lady of influence and knew what she was doing! It brought a smile to my face to say the least, but I wish I had read this book back when I received it. I've read so many books of this genre that I don't recall if I actually read it then but reading it twice is not a bad idea.

The book provides a step by step roadmap on how to become a person of influence. It's not too late-even if you're retired or out of the workforce. Positively impact your children and others and make a difference-because you can.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I enjoy the most about my profession, Human Resources, is seeing others succeed at work or in life. It is especially gratifying when that success cascades and enhances the lives of others. This is an inspirational read that can help you to develop the potential of others and yourself. You may ask "who are you influencing?" and the answer is that it could be any person at any time for almost any reason.

Each chapter provides a checklist of behaviors that will enhance your "influencing" skills. This is an easy quick read with specific action items to add to your life skills tool box.

[Lauri]

I read this with my Arbonne team, and it was a really worthwhile read. Both interesting and inspiring, this is one of those rare books that I think everyone can gain something from, regardless of your industry or profession. Whether or not we are aware of it, we all have influence over others; are you using your influence to make an impact? Is it the impact you want to be making?

[Clay Graham · Rating 2 out of 5]

It mostly feels like a self-help book with “christianese” sprinkled in. That’s not to say it’s all bad, though. There are some good nuggets of wisdom in it. All truth is God’s truth, after all. But I would love to see some of the same / comparable principles actually fleshed out from a Biblical perspective.

[Rick Mackinnon · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all influence people. Want to have a greater influence? This is a classic giving practical pointers on how to became someone who better interacts with people making it possible to influence them in a possitive way.

[Dave W · Rating 1 out of 5]

Author lost me once he cited the founder of Amway as someone who “reproduces other influencers” - all of a sudden the whole thing felt like a sneaky sales pitch. Also way too many Christian-centered examples, felt very exclusionary.

[Jill Boling]

just started...

[Ronald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio Book. Very useful tips from Maxwell as usual.

[Madis Merila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ultimate peace time leader book. John talks about his experience in leading a church. Importance of connecting and empowering people.

[Jung · Rating 5 out of 5]

John C. Maxwell and Jim Dornan’s "Becoming a Person of Influence" provides a thoughtful and practical framework for cultivating influence that transcends titles and positions. The book’s central thesis is that influence is rooted in the ability to connect with, motivate, and empower others, rather than relying solely on authority. In a world where trust and relationships drive success, Maxwell and Dornan outline four key stages of influence—modeling, motivating, mentoring, and multiplying—that guide readers toward becoming effective and impactful leaders.

Modeling: Leading by Example
The journey to influence begins with modeling. Maxwell and Dornan emphasize that influence starts when people observe your actions, not your words. Integrity forms the bedrock of this stage, as it establishes trust and credibility. Through consistent ethical behavior, leaders set the standard for those around them, inspiring respect and reliability. The authors stress that even minor actions matter, as they contribute to the perception of your character. By prioritizing honesty and values over convenience, you not only solidify your credibility but also build a foundation for deeper influence.

Motivating: Believing in Others
Motivating others requires recognizing their potential and expressing genuine belief in their abilities. The authors highlight the transformative power of positive reinforcement, noting that people often rise to meet the expectations placed on them. This stage is about instilling confidence by celebrating strengths, offering encouragement, and supporting individuals through challenges. Importantly, motivation also involves empathy—understanding others’ struggles and aspirations fosters a sense of care that strengthens the bond between leader and follower. By demonstrating faith in others before they’ve proven themselves, you create an environment where they feel inspired to achieve more.

Mentoring: Guiding Growth
Mentoring represents a deeper level of engagement, where you invest in the personal and professional growth of others. At this stage, the focus shifts to helping individuals clarify their goals, navigate obstacles, and develop the skills needed for success. Mentors provide wisdom and encouragement, walking alongside their mentees during challenging times and empowering them to take responsibility. The ultimate goal of mentoring is to prepare individuals to lead independently. This process requires patience, but the rewards are significant as mentees gain confidence, competence, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to their communities or organizations.

Multiplying: Creating Legacy
The final stage of influence is multiplying, where your impact extends far beyond your immediate circle. By equipping mentees to become influencers themselves, you create a ripple effect of positive change. Maxwell and Dornan emphasize the importance of fostering leadership qualities in others and encouraging them to mentor their own successors. This cyclical process ensures that your influence endures, creating a legacy of empowerment and growth. Multiplication is not only the most rewarding stage but also the most impactful, as it allows your contributions to touch countless lives over time.

Through these stages, "Becoming a Person of Influence" provides a roadmap for anyone seeking to make a meaningful difference. The authors remind readers that influence isn’t about control or authority—it’s about serving others and creating opportunities for growth. By consistently modeling integrity, motivating with empathy, mentoring with care, and multiplying through empowerment, anyone can cultivate the skills needed to inspire and uplift those around them. Ultimately, the book is a call to action for individuals to embrace the responsibility of influence. Whether in personal relationships, workplaces, or communities, the principles outlined in this book offer a timeless guide to building connections that leave a lasting, positive impact. Becoming a person of influence, as Maxwell and Dornan illustrate, is not only a pathway to success but also a profound way to enrich the lives of others.

[Kathrynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Read 8/2/2020 - 5 Stars

The book is divided into 10 short chapters, but first there are 4 levels that walk a person through the 10 chapters (in order: Model, Motivate, Mentor and Multiply). The book states that few reach the Multiply level. I found that the book examples were somewhat dated and focused on the white male population. All the quotes were from men. No examples included women. More than a few references to a specific religion. However, there was still good information as indicated below.

Chapter 1 - A Person of Influence Has Integrity with People
* Webster describes integrity as "adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
* Ethical people are NOT flexible. A little white lie is still a lie.
* Character is made in the small moments of our lives. Anytime you break a moral principle, you create a small crack in the foundation of your integrity.
* Character isn't created in a crisis; it only comes to light.
* Don't do what you wouldn't feel comfortable reading about in the newspapers the next day.
* Character comes from who we are.
* The benefit of integrity is trust. At one time, people trusted until given a reason not to, but today we tend to not trust until a person proves themselves trustworthy.
* People today are desperate for leaders, but they want to be influenced only by individuals they can trust, persons of good character.

Chapter 2 - A Person of Influence Nurtures Other People
* People want to be encouraged, recognized, secure and have hope.
* You cannot antagonize and influence at the same time
* You cannot make the other person feel important if you secretly feel that he/she is not.
* Most people are desperate for encouragement
* Your goal is others' growth and independence. If you nurture others but allow them to become dependent on you, your are hurting them.
* Focus on giving rather than getting
* You can positively impact people by nurturing them.
* Everyone needs to feel valued
* Do not assume that people know how you feel about them. Tell them.
* Sense of belonging - respect - feeling significant - hope

Chapter 3 - A Person of Influence Has Faith in People
* Faith in people is an essential quality of an influencer, yet it is rare.
* Your goal is not to get people to think more highly of you, but to get them to think more highly of themselves.
* Become a believer in people and even the most tentative can bloom
* Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from their neck that says, "Make me feel important." Never forget this. Help people remember their past successes.
*Demonstrate that success is a journey, a process, not a destination.

Chapter 4 - A Person of Influence Listens to People
* You do not learn anything when you are doing all the talking
* The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people.
* Listening shows respect
* Be impressed and interested, not impressive and interesting. Shut up. Listen.
* People in authority tend to listen to others less, especially those who report to them. The father a person of authority is from the front lines, the more they have to depend on other for reliable information.
* Listening generates ideas and good companies have a reputation of listening to their customers and employees
* This chapter explains how to be a better listener.

Chapter 5 - A Person of Influence Understands People
* The ability to understand people is one of the greatest assets people can develop.
* If you can learn to understand people - how they think, what they feel, what inspires them, how they are likely to act and react, then you can motivate and influence them in a positive way.
* Half of all controversies and conflicts that arise among people are caused not by differences of opinion or an inability to agree, but by their lack of understanding for one another.
* Employees are reluctant to suggest ideas because...
* The least important word is, "I."
* The Most important word is,"We."
* The two most important words are, "Thank you."
* The three most important words are, "All is forgiven."
* The four most important words are, "What is your opinion?"
* The five most important words are, "You did a good job."
* The six most important words are, "I want to understand you better."

Chapter 6 - A Person of Influence Enlarges People
* Motivate, Nurture, Mentor
* Giving people the motivation to grown without also providing them the means is a tragedy.
* Lead people in areas of personal and professional growth until they are able to work in these areas more independently.
* Helping others enlarge themselves is one of the most incredible things you can ever do for them.
* If people in your organization improves themselves even slightly, the quality of your whole organization increases. If a few people improve themselves a lot, the potential for growth and success increases due to increased leadership of those people.
* It is the capacity to develop and improve their skills that distinguishes leaders from followers.
* People will not learn to grow from someone who is not growing
* The great secret to success is to go through life as a person who never gets used up. When you continually learn you cannot be used up because you are continuing to charge up and finding better ways to accomplish challenge. Ask yourself what you are looking forward to. If you cannot think of anything or you are reflecting back instead, you growth may be at a stand still.
* Any day that passes without personal growth is an opportunity lost to improve yourself and enlarge others.

Chapter 7 - A Person of Influence Navigate for Other People
* Happiness, wealth and success are by-products of goal setting; they cannot be the goal themselves.
* A #2 pencil and a dream can take you anywhere.
* Set your goals in concrete and write your plans in the sand
* People who have not yet experienced success often have no idea what it takes to get from where they are to where they want to go. They thrown themselves into a labyrinth of activity because they do not recognize an easier path. Show them.
* Few things are more discouraging than being blindsided, especially when someone who could have helped stands by and watches it happen.
* One of the tests of leadership is to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency.
* Out of every crisis comes a chance to be reborn
* The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it is the same problem as last year.
* Easier to criticize than to help find a solution
* Be able to make a decision. Even if the decision was wrong, it will return and you can solve it again. Correctly. Not making a decision is not an option.

Chapter 8 - A Person of Influence Connects with People
* When you navigate for others, you come alongside them and travel their road for a while, helping them handle some obstacles. When you connect with them, you ask them to come alongside you and travel your road for you and their mutual benefit.
* Do not take people for granted
* Valuing people is the first step in the connection process
* You may not be able to help everybody, but you can help somebody.
* To understand a person's minds, examine what he/she has already achieved. To understand their heart, look at what they aspire to do.
* Be genuine

Chapter 9 - A Person of Influence Empowers People
* You cannot empower people that you do not lead.
* Respect - Commitment

Chapter 10 - A Person of Influence Reproduces other Infuencers (multiplier level)
* Reproducing leaders ensures a positive influence for your organization.
* Continually look for potential leaders
* Put the team first
* Develop leaders, not followers; the function of a leader is to product more leaders, not more followers.
* 5 Stages of an organization:
1) Scramble - Attrition rate is off the charts. They spend more time scrambling to replace staff that leave. Burn out from exhaustion.
2) Survival - Leaders do nothing to develop leaders, but manage to keep the staff (50%). Organizations are average, employees dissatisfied not no one is developing person potential.
3) Siphon - Leaders neglect to build a relationship with their staff. Potential leaders leave the organization to pursue other opportunities.
4) Synergy - Leaders build strong relationships, develop people to become good leaders, empower them to reach their potential and are able to keep them in their organization. The whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts. Great morale and high job satisfaction.
5) Significance - Leaders develop leaders that reproduce leaders who stay.
* Interviews with 30 top executives found that every one of them learned from a mentor
* Process for training and developing: Watch one, do one, teach one

First read - October 2016 - 4 Stars - Review Missing

[Mehri Abdukodirova · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is about how to become a person of influence: how to positively impact the lives of others.
It's all about how to become the next Mother Theresa, Nelson Mandela, Abraham Lincoln and etc. but they don't necessarily have to be that famous to influence you for the better.
For now, think about the people who positively impacted your life: is that your parents, your best friend, or is that your neighbor? Maybe it's someone else you know. If people influence you to understand things better, to be a better version of yourself they are considered people of influence.

The level of positive influence you have on others depend on your level of influence:
1. Model what you stand for: in simple terms, you first need to be that person who practices what he/she says. It's all about being what you stand for and tell about.
2. Motivational Influence.
3. Mentoring Influence.
4. Multiplication Influence.

A short summary of all chapters:

Chapter 1: Integrity
Keep integrity with YOURSELF, every action that you take against your inner goodness/heart (like cheating, lying, belittling others, not doing the things that you believe you should be doing, or doing what you PERSONALLY think you shouldn't be doing because it's not the right thing, destroys your integrity with YOURSELF.

Chapter 2: Encouragement and Nurturing: nurture everyone around you, make them feel good about themselves. Encourage them on whatever good they're doing, and you help them better their strengths. Make people feel important and worthy increases their confidence and nurtures them. When you communicate with anybody treat them as if there's a tag hanging on their necks that says: "Make me feel important", and always make feel people important.

Big (successful, and confident) people believe in your potential fully and think you can achieve anything you want given the right set of strategies and efforts are in place. Small people try to belittle you and make you feel unimportant. They try to persuade you how it's impossible to achieve what you're trying to achieve.

Chapter 3:

Chapter 4: A person of influence listens to people --> You're learning nothing when you're doing all the talking.

Suggestions to help you become a better listener:

1. Look at the speaker (eye contact)
2. Don't interrupt
3. Focus on understanding
4. Check your emotions
5. Add meaningful comments/wrap-ups on major points
6. Ask questions for clarity
7. Make listening to be your priority

Everybody wants to be somebody, everyone wants to feel important. You got to love people before you try to lead them. Somebody will not know you until they know you care about them.
Everybody can be somebody, everybody holds the potential to succeed.

Try to enlarge people - make them progress step by step, and while doing it mention how great they're doing publicly - this boosts their confidence. Because the greatest contest of all for you is between what you've done and what you're capable of doing.
(Teach them to be self-enlargers (that they work on themselves independently)).

Chapter 7: A person of influence navigates for other people

Chapter 8: A person of influence connect with people
How to connect with people:
- Don't take people for granted
- Believe you can make a difference, and believe every one of can make a difference no matter how small or big it could be.
- Initiate relationships, talks and approach people first
- Find common grounds
- Communicate genuinely - be genuine
- Empower people
- Trust them they possess the inner goodness
- Take the person/people that you’re planning to empower and progress and walk the through small steps, encourage them every step of the way
- Share your authority stating how good they are doing and how confident I’m in them publicly

Last Chapter: Multiplication Effect: if you teach people in a way that they can empower and teach it to others based on what they've learned from you, and this is the highest level of influence: and it often happens when you mentor the people

[Clifford Onehundredd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required Reading!!! The closest counterpart jewel to Dale Carnegie's book "How To Win Friends and Influence People". This book exceeds all expectations if you're open to receiving and applying the principles. John C. Maxwell's Becoming A Person Of Influence; will inevitably become a part of you when you study and apply the principles. I always knew I had potential to influence people, this book intensified my character traits. It is the epitome of becoming an true influencer when you've read and applied the contents. I remember purchasing this book in 2015. I've read and referred back to this book often. Reading it to it's entirety everything within this book became second nature to me, and almost all of what is explained in the book naturally embedded itself within me to carry out those qualities into daily interaction.

Ironic that when I read this book I did not expect to be "influenced" by it 😂 But I was heavily influenced into becoming a influencer. Although this book was published in 1997 all of the text transcends all years and applies to all generations of readers who fully comprehend it. John Maxwell is an excellent leader and him and Jim's book instills good qualities you reinforce within yourself to become a true trailblazer in the lives of others. I want people to know that as I'm writing this review that my life has improved socially. I have influenced people prior to reading this book and even now after reading it. I'm no Nostradamus, but I predict that one day I'll influence hundreds, if not thousands of people in this world I occupy--both intentionally and accidentally. The info in this book is common sense, all of these traits you naturally have. You just need to use them more effectively. You'll probably highlight this book heavily like I have!!! Probably the entire book!! It's a jewel in my opinion. Funny thing about is Tupac Shakur is one of my biggest influences in my life. His music, his spoken word in interviews etc. I could line up nearly him and all other legends with everything listed in this book. I believe he would read this book today if he were present. I'm sure I'm own my way to becoming a legend as well,afterall "...legends reproduce legends by a matter of influence." Remember I said that!!! --Clifford Onehundredd 6-15-19. 💎👑 I highly recommend this book to everyone as required reading and I'm definitely going to get in touch with John C. Maxwell to thank him and Jim Dornan for producing this book. I believe if my dreamz manifested and I became a celebrity this is one of the books I would push my fanz to read. It should be in every school, every college, every library. Human interaction is something we will all inevitably face, and this book will equip you with needed social skills. READ & APPLY ITS PRINCIPLES AND YOU TOO WILL INFLUENCE THE LIVES OF OTHERS AS AN INFLUENCER!

[an's little forest · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 years ago, I've read The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and it gave me better perspectives at work even when I did not have the chance to lead yet.
Becoming a Person of Influence has some common themes with that book but sometime it explored different perspective I believe will be helpful for anyone.
If you do not have the time to read the whole book, you can take my summary below as a reference.

The process of becoming a person of influence:
Model => Motivate => Mentor => Multiply
1/ Model
+ Integrity:
(1) Do you have integrity even with the little thing?
(2) Every day do 2 things you should do before things you want to do.
(3) Treat people well even when you can gain nothing from them

2/ Motivate
+ Nurture:
(1) Write them notes
(2) Give them a pat on the back
(3) Acknowledge their ability
(4) Seek their advice and concern
(5) Hold compliment activity
+ Faith
+ Listen:
(1) Look at the speaker
(2) Don't interrupt
(3) Listen for what they are NOT SAYING
(4) Listen for their body language
(5) Listen for the message and the message behind the message => what is their interest
(6) Ask for clarity
+ Understand:

3/ Mentor
+ Enlarge people one step at a time:
(1) Attitude => Relationship => Leadership => Personal & professional skill
(2) Put resources in their hands
(3) Expose them to enlarging experiences
(4) Teach them to be self-enlargers.
+ Navigate
+ Connect: Initiate movement towards them, look for common ground, find the key to others' lives, communicate from the heart, have common experiences (team building activity).
+ Empower:
(1) Evaluate people in terms of knowledge, skill, and desire
(2) Model for them
(3) Expect them to succeed
(4) Transfer authority to them
(5) Publicly show your confidence in them
(6) Supply them with feedback
(7) Release them to continue on their own

4/ Multiple Reproduce other influencers

[Moran Danieli-Cohen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Becoming a Person of Influence: How to Positively Impact the Lives of Others" by John C. Maxwell. This book is a practical guide for anyone who wants to become a person of influence and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

The author provides valuable insights and actionable advice on how to develop the traits of a person of influence. One of the key lessons I learned from this book is that influence is not about power or control, but rather about serving others and making a difference in their lives. The author emphasizes the importance of building relationships, listening to others, and showing empathy and understanding.

Another valuable lesson I learned from this book is the power of positive thinking and attitude. The author emphasizes that a positive attitude can be contagious and can inspire others to be their best selves. He provides many examples of people who have overcome adversity and achieved great success through their positive attitude and mindset.

One of the most compelling examples in the book is the story of Mother Teresa, who dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor in India. The author highlights her selfless attitude, her willingness to serve others, and her unwavering faith as the key traits that made her a person of influence and a source of inspiration for millions of people around the world.

Overall, "Becoming a Person of Influence" is an inspiring and practical guide for anyone who wants to make a positive impact in the lives of others. The author's insights and examples are both thought-provoking and actionable, making this book a must-read for anyone who wants to become a person of influence and lead a fulfilling life of service and purpose.