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Responsible Influence: Build the "I" in Team

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It’s time to be accountable for your greatest influence.

Not all leaders have fancy titles or high-paying jobs, as the power to influence others resides within every individual. In this installment of the “I” in Team series, Smith and Griffin illuminate the boundless potential of all humans and their inherent leadership roles to encourage readers to harness the force of influence. Through narratives drawn from real life, the authors cultivate a culture of innovative learning that stretches conventional boundaries.

Delve into the heart of conscientious leadership with Responsible Influence, a compass for all leaders regardless of designation. Encompassing a spectrum of pivotal themes, this guide prompts leaders

Evaluate gaps in the present state of leadership and pivot toward servant leadershipSet the example and be the influence you wish to see grow on your teamsDevelop appropriate policies that create the bedrock of organizational integrityFoster an environment of inclusivity that nurtures diversitySeamlessly transpose grand visions into pragmatic, actionable strategiesThe authors reshape individuals’ perceptions, enabling them to unite teams in positivity. Responsible Influence calls into question what it means to be a leader and helps identify the future state of leadership.

219 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2024

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14 people want to read

About the author

Brian Smith

862 books17 followers

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Steve Sarner.
Author 3 books408 followers
June 25, 2024
As someone who has spent a long career influencing people, (or at least trying to) I found "Responsible Influence" by Brian Smith to be a timely and impactful read. In the non-profit sector, ethical influence is critical, and Smith’s book couldn’t have come at a better time. He offers a balanced approach to persuasion that respects both the audience and the cause. This book is a solid guide for anyone looking to inspire change responsibly.

Smith skillfully navigates the complexities of influence, emphasizing the importance of integrity and accountability. His insights are valuable lessons for anyone aiming to lead with a conscience and make a positive impact. He advocates for a more responsible and sustainable approach to influencing customers. His clear writing and relevant examples make this book an essential read for anyone in the field.

As with others, he prioritizes empathy and ethical considerations, making the book not only informative but also inspiring. It serves as a timely reminder of the responsibilities inherent in wielding influence. For anyone who has had to influence others throughout their career, this book is a solid read.
Profile Image for Maria Paula Castellanos Monroy.
814 reviews19 followers
August 16, 2024
Extraordinary!

The authors make us an invitation and leave us with a clear message: whoever is a leader, is a leader without the need for titles, pompous names or even without so much recognition. This book is an open invitation to understand that we all have the capacity to be leaders and that you don't need much more than what you have inside to empower yourself.

I loved this book because as they call it, it is a simple, practical and very useful guide on how to be a true influencer in a responsible way. My favorite part will always be where they give us practical examples and I thank the authors for putting real life cases that allowed me to realize that I can be the leader I want to be and that I don't need much more than what I naturally carry inside.
Without a doubt, it is a text that EVERYONE should read, not only those who work in companies, but those who are entrepreneurs, students at school, university and even retired people.
I highly recommend this text!
Profile Image for L Becerra.
396 reviews9 followers
October 26, 2024
Inspiring book.

This book really helped me open my eyes towards personal and laboral aspects and how I am living my life right now. Before reading this amazing and life-changing book, I wasn’t conscious about how deeply we can influence or be influenced by our environment. We all have a very big responsibility as individuals because we have the power to influence rather in a positive or negative way towards others. This book is be the perfect guide in order to influence in a positive way.
By reading these pages, I had the opportunity to reflect and think about my life and how I’ve been living it right now.
I like how each chapter began with a quote, giving somehow a clue of how was it about and what’s essential in order to follow the main ideas and the flow of the book.
I recommend this book to everyone who is looking towards leaving a good impact in society through influencing others in a very responsible way.
Profile Image for Maps  R.
403 reviews9 followers
October 24, 2024
Sometimes, we only think of social media influencers as the ones who can shape people's minds, but nowadays, influencers are seen everywhere, we are all influencers. But are we a good influencing? Being a leader requires self-introspection about the ethics of guiding others. I love the I in Team series by Brian Smith and Mary Griffin because they set the foundation for being a valuable leader. What I liked most about this book is the invitation to be a responsible influence. I always encourage my clients to be good leaders, and this book opened my mind to new approaches I can use with them, offering easy strategies to build trust, reframe situations, promote inclusivity, and create a positive organizational environment. What I will take with me no matter where I go is that leadership is about setting an example and being a role model, and that is the biggest emphasis in this book.
Profile Image for Gianfranco.
581 reviews7 followers
October 26, 2024
These authors only know how to raise the level

Along the same lines as “Individual Influence”, this book not only captivated me more, but actually influenced me in an absurd way. The stories through which the authors seek to convey the message, are too powerful, I felt almost in the same room as those involved, listening and learning intently.
The book helps anyone to transcend, even if it does not start from a leadership position, the basis is that regardless, we can definitely all be leaders. It brings with it some great resources to learn, to internalize and bring out everything that can define you as someone of vital importance, someone who makes himself or herself visible and who everyone would like to listen to in a conversation.
These books are liberating, give yourself a chance and you will see how you will change without realizing it.
Profile Image for CarlitasFox.
1,485 reviews28 followers
October 27, 2024
A must-read
Brian Smith and Mary Griffin have come up with the 3° part called “Responsible influence” oriented to help leaders develop more abilities to improve their leaders’ capacities.
It’s a must-read for leaders since they’ll learn about the importance of being a positive guide. I believe that good and positive leaders are capable of creating the best teams and building a warm and charming atmosphere for everyone. The authors also show strategies to foster an environment of inclusivity and allow anyone to grow personally and professionally.
It's a complete and well-written book that will be useful for leaders to boost their potential and continue improving. Everything is explained in detail to let readers understand the nitty gritty of being a leader. Without a doubt, I recommend it.
Profile Image for Liz.
1,397 reviews33 followers
August 14, 2024
Leadership is influence. Influence is getting another person to act or think in a certain way. When people are leaders, they influence by setting an example and through participation. Leaders influence others by showing a common direction for everyone, giving participation, raising commitment, and developing their talent. According to the authors, leaders' influence tactics focus on emotions and values. For example, dialogue, positive affect, and reasoning.
I think this book is a great read for all those who are leading a work group, study, etc. Chapter after chapter, the authors guide and help readers to be the best versions of themselves. I definitely recommend this and all the books in the series.
Profile Image for Margarita Garcia.
1,040 reviews22 followers
October 23, 2024
Inspirational book.

If you are looking for a book that helps you achieve your goals and maintain success, this book is for you. ''Responsible Influence'' will help you consolidate your goals by influencing people in a positive and efficient way by creating a superior culture of excellence. This book is a mix of real stories with concepts that will help you build the strategy you need not only on a professional level but also on a personal level. Here you will find an interesting way to work on your emotional intelligence that will empower you to become a true influencer. I have to say that this book surprised me a lot and made me realize how important it is to be a good influencer.
Profile Image for Juliana.
244 reviews4 followers
October 28, 2024
A valuable read

This is a guide that really left me with many important and valuable learnings. The book explores the importance of leadership and teamwork in the workplace. The book focuses on the fact that each member of a team has the responsibility to contribute to the collective success of the company, it also explains with examples how to develop positive influence skills that allow individuals to be leaders and proactive in their teams, encouraging all members to improve communication, build trust and promote collaboration among all.
Really enjoyed this book, I learned a lot from it and I can assure you that since I started applying the knowledge, I see a remarkable change.
Profile Image for Steven Finkelstein.
995 reviews12 followers
August 10, 2024
When many people think about leadership roles, they naturally think about the business arena or the educational niche. However, while those are certainly two areas where there need to be leaders, there are so many other avenues an individual might take that may require them to lead.

Everyone has the power inside them to take on a leadership position, and this book explores the many things that can mean. It discusses the responsible influence you can have on the people around you, not just in your job, but in every other facet of your life as well. Once you accept this position and learn to use it to your full advantage, it’s highly likely that you will feel more fulfilled. It’s also probable that those around you will start to respect you more and take you more seriously.
Profile Image for S Tyty.
1,280 reviews29 followers
August 14, 2024
This third book is a true gem. Author Smith is a genius at helping leaders figure out what is holding them back and what they can do differently to create a better future. Not only leaders would benefit from this book, but any type of reader who wants to move forward in their lives.
The most enjoyable aspect is the inspirational journey we embark on when we start reading the book, evoking strong emotions and thoughts about overcoming obstacles. The writing style is engaging and way too motivating, making the book both memorable and impactful.
Even though this is the third installment, it can perfectly be read as a standalone.
Profile Image for Ivan M.
838 reviews22 followers
August 15, 2024
Responsible Influence is a book that focuses primarily on the development of teams, with special attention to the role of leader. Both authors share their knowledge in the matter, with real-life examples and some difficult decisions to make.

I think this book is destined for the beginner leader who wants to define their role and decide which type of leader they want to be. Fulfilling client's expectations while positively influencing your subordinates to achieve the best results is not an easy task, and I think the authors did a great job analyzing every aspect.

Overall, a read destined for entrepreneurs and leaders who want to step up and improve their game.
Profile Image for Camilo.
404 reviews4 followers
August 15, 2024
Enhace your mindset

Oh! Simply fantastic, for sure this is a must for every person. It is one of my favorite books that I had every read. The narrative and the way the chapters are presented are unique. It is a very easy book to read; while I was reading, I really felt I was investing in myself. The book has very strong arguments not only to support the main ideas but to invite the readers to change their mindset. For example, in the part “key takeaways: Giving Up a Dream”, it is unique how the author invites the reader to “embrace self-compassion” to name and accept the emotion and after move forward. In my opinion, everyone must read this book.

Profile Image for Chico's Mom.
967 reviews9 followers
August 17, 2024
This is a good resource for becoming a good and responsible influence. Each chapter is easily explained, with critical takeaways summarizing the lessons and a reflection portion that helps you relate these lessons to real-life situations. When the author talked about his experiences as a coach, I saw myself when I was still teaching kids; you want to be a good role model to the people you look up to. His ability to focus on each individual in his team and fit his coaching strategy is a talent, treating everybody fairly without being treated the same way. Being a significant influence on people is if you can motivate them to do good or even great things for themselves or others.
Profile Image for Mariana.
653 reviews12 followers
August 16, 2024
Today, we live in a society where the word influencer is more than saturated, everyone thinks they can influence and it is not always so, nor does it mean to have a good influence on people. That is why this book was so interesting and necessary for me, because although it deals a lot with the topic of leadership in teams, it also focuses a lot on showing all the potential that we humans have to positively influence the people around us and how it is super necessary to influence by example, not only to be talking about everything that should be done but to do it and motivate others to emerge. I found it to be a very deep book with a very important message.
Profile Image for Diana.
392 reviews7 followers
October 22, 2024
Definitely, "Responsible Influence: Build the 'I' in Team" by Brian Smith and Mary Griffin transforms the way I understand leadership; above all it made me reflect on my own ability to influence others, regardless of my position as a businesswoman that I am. One of the things I liked most about the book is that the authors tell real stories, with very clear examples and talk about a concept that really catches my attention and that is servant leadership, encouraging us to be the change we want to see in others. I felt inspired to apply the principles of the book in my daily life. I recommend this book to those of us seeking to leave a mark on our environment.
Profile Image for Laura.
280 reviews5 followers
October 25, 2024
Good book

This is a great self help book that goes a step beyond traditional self-help advice and adds the component of being an inspiration to others as well. By being your best self, you will be a good influence on the lives of those around you. The flow of the book felt a little disjointed to me, but it didn't take away from the overall value of the book and the lessons it contains. I like how the book broke down the topic into various aspects, which made this large topic more digestible. People interested in improving their leadership and teamwork will benefit from this book, as will anyone who wants to improve themselves overall.
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,357 reviews25 followers
October 25, 2024
Very insightful and easy to follow guide that talks about how to use your influence to make a positive impact. I like the topics the book talks about. I think nowadays reading about taking responsibility for the actions that are made is very important no matter who you are in life.
I like that the authors provide real life examples and very simple lessons that anyone can apply in their work or in their personal life.
This thing the book explains about building a culture of inclusivity and integrity I think is very important and I enjoyed how the author explains it. Great to improve our work in business.
Profile Image for Daniel Moreno.
847 reviews16 followers
October 25, 2024
a very good book.

Thinking about influencing is something that is relevant for a leader, good leadership is not based on having many degrees or university careers, it is based on instilling good things in others. This book invites us to lead by example, with respect and encouraging the growth of all. If we want to have a great impact on others or become leaders, this book is very important and will have an important impact on our lives. I really liked this book; I highly recommend it to those who want to be leaders or who are leaders today and want to improve their ways of doing it. Without a doubt, a very good book.
Profile Image for Yolanda Gomez.
570 reviews9 followers
October 26, 2024
I think that not all of us are so clear about the impact that our actions, words and decisions have on other people, not only if you are a leader or a person of influence, we all have ways of influencing people; that is why this book will help you understand how you are influencing and what you should do to improve your influence.
I find each of the sections so interesting, because in addition to being a super clear and concise book, it is a book with relevant information that makes it not simply based on thoughts but on reliable data that will make you go further. I loved all the reflections and the background of this reading, it is a must read.
Profile Image for Marina  Lujan .
935 reviews15 followers
October 26, 2024
Without doubts, Smith's third installment is outstanding. The author does something unique by exploring what really hinders us and goes beyond the fundamentals of leadership. I examined each page as a company leader and considered my own choices and tactics.

Personally, after closing the book, I found myself thinking about how I could make changes to not only improve my leadership but also create a better future for my team. It is a book that shakes you and provokes many emotions, and that is something I deeply appreciate. I recommend this book not only to leaders but to anyone who wants to advance in their life. Smith offers concrete and easy-to-apply tools.
Profile Image for Aneley Sánchez.
988 reviews24 followers
October 26, 2024
Very useful information.

All the information in the book is useful and I think we can learn a lot from it to apply to our personal and professional lives. One of the things I like the most is that it highlights that leadership ability does not reside in an important title but is inherent to everyone and we can discover it in ourselves.
It is a book that seeks to inspire us and offers a guide to explore our skills. The authors' perspective on leaders is excellent, but their proposals on forms of leadership are even better. I think it is a good read for people who want to be a great leader or simply want to improve their own skills to provide their best version to a team.
Profile Image for Mayra.
613 reviews12 followers
October 26, 2024
Responsible Influence: Build the "I" in Team is an inspiring and practical book that explores leadership in a way that feels fresh and empowering. What makes this book resonate is its focus on values like servant leadership, inclusivity, and accountability, qualities that build real trust and teamwork.
The authors use real-life examples to highlight how influence can make a difference at all levels, pushing readers to evaluate their own behaviors and set a positive example. Totally recommended!
Profile Image for Santiago Flores.
1,047 reviews11 followers
September 10, 2024
It's inspiring

I appreciated how the authors emphasize that leadership isn’t just about having a title or a high-ranking position.
I really liked the focus on servant leadership and the importance of leading by example, and also I liked how the authors encourage you to evaluate your own leadership style.
"Responsible Influence" is a must-read.
Profile Image for AMR CAMI .
376 reviews11 followers
October 25, 2024
Informative

This is a very informative and simple to follow book. If you’re looking to understand leadership beyond the traditional mold, Responsible Influence offers a refreshing perspective. It’s a fantastic guide for anyone wanting to foster positive change and make a lasting impact, whether in the workplace or in personal relationships.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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