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Bridge Builders: How Superb Communicators Get What They Want in Business and in Life
Both engaging and instructive, BRIDGE BUILDERS presents a simple blueprint for communication success---in business and beyond---written as a persuasive and thought-provoking fable that illustrates the power of human connection.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
An extraordinary desire drives you. You have a story to tell. You have a product, service, idea, or vision to sell---at home or at work. How you choose to communicate your message and connect with your target audience will make the difference between success and failure.
When you make a decision to communicate your message like a Bridge Builder, you will achieve more of what you want. You’ll be a Superb Communicator who is able to persuade audiences:
To listen. To engage. To connect. To buy your products. To join your causes. To approve your initiatives. To fund your ideas. To believe in your vision. To let you lead.
The premise of this book is simple: You already know how to be a Bridge Builder---although you may not realize it. Like most people, you’ve probably forgotten. But you’ve successfully built bridges before. Intention, not perfection, helped you achieve what you wanted. And intention, not perfection, will help you achieve what you want in the future. When you operate from the principles illustrated in the story and in the Approach that follows it, the results you achieve will amaze you.
Getting the Most from the Story
Stories are often used to communicate important principles. Why? Because we all relate to life through stories. We see aspects of ourselves in the characters, and we hope to gain new insights about business and life from the way they react and the things they learn in the story.
The parable in this book is about a man named Daniel who, like us, has a problem (how to communicate effectively with others) but doesn’t recognize the source of his problem or how to solve it. Daniel needs to become a Bridge Builder in order to get what he truly wants, but he struggles to accept the solution to his problem because of past failure, preconceptions, and misunderstandings. He exemplifies the individuals I encounter every day in one-to-one coaching and the corporate consulting process.
The characters in this story represent composites of real business professionals I’ve worked with, not anyone in particular. However, early feedback from readers that represent varied industries and cultures tells me that the characters and themes in the story will resonate with most readers in more ways than one.
This story applies to business communication, but it also applies to communication at home, at school, at church, and in any organizational setting. Because the story deals with communication and leadership principles, anyone will benefit from reading it, whether or not they work in the corporate world.
Organizations, large or small, will also reap the profits of intentionally nurturing a culture of Bridge Builder Communication and Bridge Builder Leadership—and so will those inside those organizations, whether they’re executives, scientists, engineers, sales reps, entrepreneurs, educators, pastors or Creatives. That has been my experience.
I suggest that you first read and reflect on the story. Then take the time to ask questions that are naturally suggested in the narrative.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
An extraordinary desire drives you. You have a story to tell. You have a product, service, idea, or vision to sell---at home or at work. How you choose to communicate your message and connect with your target audience will make the difference between success and failure.
When you make a decision to communicate your message like a Bridge Builder, you will achieve more of what you want. You’ll be a Superb Communicator who is able to persuade audiences:
To listen. To engage. To connect. To buy your products. To join your causes. To approve your initiatives. To fund your ideas. To believe in your vision. To let you lead.
The premise of this book is simple: You already know how to be a Bridge Builder---although you may not realize it. Like most people, you’ve probably forgotten. But you’ve successfully built bridges before. Intention, not perfection, helped you achieve what you wanted. And intention, not perfection, will help you achieve what you want in the future. When you operate from the principles illustrated in the story and in the Approach that follows it, the results you achieve will amaze you.
Getting the Most from the Story
Stories are often used to communicate important principles. Why? Because we all relate to life through stories. We see aspects of ourselves in the characters, and we hope to gain new insights about business and life from the way they react and the things they learn in the story.
The parable in this book is about a man named Daniel who, like us, has a problem (how to communicate effectively with others) but doesn’t recognize the source of his problem or how to solve it. Daniel needs to become a Bridge Builder in order to get what he truly wants, but he struggles to accept the solution to his problem because of past failure, preconceptions, and misunderstandings. He exemplifies the individuals I encounter every day in one-to-one coaching and the corporate consulting process.
The characters in this story represent composites of real business professionals I’ve worked with, not anyone in particular. However, early feedback from readers that represent varied industries and cultures tells me that the characters and themes in the story will resonate with most readers in more ways than one.
This story applies to business communication, but it also applies to communication at home, at school, at church, and in any organizational setting. Because the story deals with communication and leadership principles, anyone will benefit from reading it, whether or not they work in the corporate world.
Organizations, large or small, will also reap the profits of intentionally nurturing a culture of Bridge Builder Communication and Bridge Builder Leadership—and so will those inside those organizations, whether they’re executives, scientists, engineers, sales reps, entrepreneurs, educators, pastors or Creatives. That has been my experience.
I suggest that you first read and reflect on the story. Then take the time to ask questions that are naturally suggested in the narrative.
200 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2015
16 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Maria Keckler
1 book7 followersMaria Keckler is the author of Bridge Builders: How Superb Communicators Get What They Want in Business and in Life.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 3, 2015
4.5 stars
I normally have a pretty strong aversion to business lessons in the form of parables (Fish!: A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results is one of my least favorite books EVER), so I was a little nervous about this one. Usually, the parables are poorly written and kind of hokey, and the dialogue is always so painful.
I was very skeptical as this started, but that skepticism quickly melted away: this parable was actually good. Our protagonist, Daniel, recently lost his father and found himself interim CEO of his father's company, Beyond You, Inc. He's always had a chip on his shoulder, and he wanted to make his own way, not stand in the shadow of his father who was not only a successful CEO, but a beloved one as well. Daniel is sent to San Diego to meet Chris, his father's mentor. They call Chris "Bridge Builder" because it's what she does, and her job is to teach Daniel. Bridge Builders reach their audience's hearts and minds and are more effective leaders for it.
As Chris shows Daniel these tools, the reader is along for the ride, and we see how they play out. At the end of the parable (no surprise endings here), Daniel is able to harness these tools to win the support of his company's board members.
Had the tools been silly or more self-apparent, this book would not have been successful--after all, after you read a lot of business books, they can start all sounding the same. But Keckler managed to breathe new life into a topic on which way too many books have been written: how to be a better communicator. After the parable, Keckler provides an overview of her philosophy and the blueprint for using them. This is summarized succinctly, and I appreciate that she doesn't just say "be better at this" and leave you to it, she gives you steps to follow.
I have certainly learned something, and I would definitely recommend this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I normally have a pretty strong aversion to business lessons in the form of parables (Fish!: A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results is one of my least favorite books EVER), so I was a little nervous about this one. Usually, the parables are poorly written and kind of hokey, and the dialogue is always so painful.
I was very skeptical as this started, but that skepticism quickly melted away: this parable was actually good. Our protagonist, Daniel, recently lost his father and found himself interim CEO of his father's company, Beyond You, Inc. He's always had a chip on his shoulder, and he wanted to make his own way, not stand in the shadow of his father who was not only a successful CEO, but a beloved one as well. Daniel is sent to San Diego to meet Chris, his father's mentor. They call Chris "Bridge Builder" because it's what she does, and her job is to teach Daniel. Bridge Builders reach their audience's hearts and minds and are more effective leaders for it.
As Chris shows Daniel these tools, the reader is along for the ride, and we see how they play out. At the end of the parable (no surprise endings here), Daniel is able to harness these tools to win the support of his company's board members.
Had the tools been silly or more self-apparent, this book would not have been successful--after all, after you read a lot of business books, they can start all sounding the same. But Keckler managed to breathe new life into a topic on which way too many books have been written: how to be a better communicator. After the parable, Keckler provides an overview of her philosophy and the blueprint for using them. This is summarized succinctly, and I appreciate that she doesn't just say "be better at this" and leave you to it, she gives you steps to follow.
I have certainly learned something, and I would definitely recommend this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 21, 2015
First off, I am a voracious reader. When I was given a prerelease copy of Bridge Builders, I had about ten other books going at the same time. I started reading it and I could not put it down. The story gripped me right up until the end! Maria Keckler is truly one of the most gifted writers of the 21st century.
September 3, 2015
Business books run the gamut from the good, like Patrick Lencioni’s The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable, to the bad, like Barbara Sherman Heyl’s The Madam as Entrepreneur: Career Management in House Prostitution. Parable books, like Fish!: A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results, are ubiquitous; though generally they force dialog and rely on highly specific situations (e.g., for-profit social media campaigns) to “prove” points that may or may not matter to you. The simple, effective focus of BB lies solely on simple, effective communication. In both the parable and instructional halves of this guide, Keckler emphasizes that connecting with others is paramount, be it an audience, a small group, or just one key person. The parable is quick and ends happily; Daniel is the adult son of the late head of BeyondYou, a paradigm of success. Though a winning executive in his own right, Daniel is data-focused, uptight, overly concerned with image. Before taking over as CEO, Daniel is coerced into visiting with Chris “Bridge Builder” Mason, who uses broad strokes to teach Daniel the importance of the audience, to speak from a place of honesty and vulnerability, and to communicate to hearts and minds—not necessarily wallets. The second part of Keckler’s book is a slower, more deliberate primer/blueprint on “how to” and includes lessons that reiterate key phrases (e.g., “those who insist on their limitations are free to keep them”) and acronyms, such as that effective communication can be summed up using “SUPERB”: Story, Usefulness, Passion, Empathy, Reliability, Brevity. Part two also expands upon principles about how one ought to “Think,” “Listen,” “Act,” “Talk,” and “Lead.” VERDICT Worthy, pithy, and clear, this will help readers refine communication skills and goals.
Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.
Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.
November 18, 2019
Updated Review - 2019
Recent experience at work had me pick this book back up for a 2nd read. I stand by the original review, but experiences has further sold me on concepts Maria covers in this book. One key additional key takeaway for me is to build my bridge builder manifesto.
Original Review
I want to be a Bridge Builder! Maria does a great job using a short parable followed by a deeper dive into principles expressed in the parable that make the definition of what it means in life and business to be a Bridge Builder. A bridge builder is someone who builds bridges to the hearts and minds of the audiences they communicate to. No matter what type of leader you are we all strive to communicate with this effectiveness.
Maria shares five key principles that impact your ability to effectively be a bridge builder. The principles outline how you Think, Listen, Act, Talk, and Lead. The book contains several supporting examples to support these principles and will definitely remind you of the one or many Bridge builders you have encountered throughout your life. I personally enjoyed the approach Maria used to write this book. I read the story of Daniel and couldn't help at times to look in the mirror and see many of the same challenges and thought provoking moments in my career and life to date including how I married such a wonderful woman. I also enjoyed the references and context she used to build on her principles to other great leaders and authors.
I definitely recommend this book for anyone who desires to be the best leader possible whether at home, work, or in the community. Maria provides great point in time questions that offer reflection on improving your bridge builder skill set. I see value in using this book as part of a book club focused on leadership topics or career mentoring session. Both are items I will consider for future usage.
Thank you Maria for the hard work putting this together and sharing with us the principles that can help us lead with purpose and make everlasting impact.
Recent experience at work had me pick this book back up for a 2nd read. I stand by the original review, but experiences has further sold me on concepts Maria covers in this book. One key additional key takeaway for me is to build my bridge builder manifesto.
Original Review
I want to be a Bridge Builder! Maria does a great job using a short parable followed by a deeper dive into principles expressed in the parable that make the definition of what it means in life and business to be a Bridge Builder. A bridge builder is someone who builds bridges to the hearts and minds of the audiences they communicate to. No matter what type of leader you are we all strive to communicate with this effectiveness.
Maria shares five key principles that impact your ability to effectively be a bridge builder. The principles outline how you Think, Listen, Act, Talk, and Lead. The book contains several supporting examples to support these principles and will definitely remind you of the one or many Bridge builders you have encountered throughout your life. I personally enjoyed the approach Maria used to write this book. I read the story of Daniel and couldn't help at times to look in the mirror and see many of the same challenges and thought provoking moments in my career and life to date including how I married such a wonderful woman. I also enjoyed the references and context she used to build on her principles to other great leaders and authors.
I definitely recommend this book for anyone who desires to be the best leader possible whether at home, work, or in the community. Maria provides great point in time questions that offer reflection on improving your bridge builder skill set. I see value in using this book as part of a book club focused on leadership topics or career mentoring session. Both are items I will consider for future usage.
Thank you Maria for the hard work putting this together and sharing with us the principles that can help us lead with purpose and make everlasting impact.
April 17, 2015
I work with patients with life expectancies approaching 5 months, so when I say "hope is based on connection, not outcome," understand that the phrase was birthed in the fire of devastating disease. Maria Keckler, author of Bridge Builders, understands this truth of connection deeply.
Bridge Builders is based on truth and real-world experience, that's what makes it a page turner. Don't start reading past 9 pm, you'll be up all night because you will see yourself in at least one character and you'll want to know "How do I get where I want to go?" Maria's book shows you how.
Half story, half pragmatic, actionable guide, the book is a must-read, potentially the most powerful book to be released in 2015. You don't need to read far to be running for your notebook and pencil so you can record some of the beautiful truths about how we need to (and want to!) connect with others in order to find our way to our best future.
Part inspiration, part guide-book. You'll want to pre-order the work in large quantities for your organization's leadership team. Or, even better, put one in the hands of all your employees and start a dialogue. Bridge Builders gives you the principles and the language to get where you want to go.
Maria Keckler
Bridge Builders is based on truth and real-world experience, that's what makes it a page turner. Don't start reading past 9 pm, you'll be up all night because you will see yourself in at least one character and you'll want to know "How do I get where I want to go?" Maria's book shows you how.
Half story, half pragmatic, actionable guide, the book is a must-read, potentially the most powerful book to be released in 2015. You don't need to read far to be running for your notebook and pencil so you can record some of the beautiful truths about how we need to (and want to!) connect with others in order to find our way to our best future.
Part inspiration, part guide-book. You'll want to pre-order the work in large quantities for your organization's leadership team. Or, even better, put one in the hands of all your employees and start a dialogue. Bridge Builders gives you the principles and the language to get where you want to go.
Maria Keckler
July 5, 2015
This book is definitely a bestseller! I had such a profound experience getting absorbed into the initial narrative that provided the groundwork for the bridge builders principles elucidated in this book. Daniel's intrigues were so beautifully articulated that every reader could point to their own unique struggles and see how and when to drop their arms and embrace the way of vulnerability, as a catalyst, to stir up their inherent communication and leadership capabilities. This book got me thinking and it helped me to revise and refine my communication strategy.
Not only were the parables and principles amazing, the tools for personal application were so easy to interact with and internalize. I particularly love the phrase that "those who insist on their limitations are free to keep them". I heard it first from Dr. Demartini quoting Dr. Wayne Dyer. It is such a powerful thought that disarms people of their defensiveness. I also appreciate the acronym, SUPERB (Story, Usefulness, Passion, Empathy, Reliability, Brevity), describing the different elements required to make any communication effective.
Finally, I must say that this book is written in such a way that it would be difficult not to finish it. I intend to introduce this book to budding and current leaders in my network and possibly insist that they give their review as well. I personally look forward to learning more from Maria and her growing work in communication and leadership. Thank you so much for this masterpiece!
Not only were the parables and principles amazing, the tools for personal application were so easy to interact with and internalize. I particularly love the phrase that "those who insist on their limitations are free to keep them". I heard it first from Dr. Demartini quoting Dr. Wayne Dyer. It is such a powerful thought that disarms people of their defensiveness. I also appreciate the acronym, SUPERB (Story, Usefulness, Passion, Empathy, Reliability, Brevity), describing the different elements required to make any communication effective.
Finally, I must say that this book is written in such a way that it would be difficult not to finish it. I intend to introduce this book to budding and current leaders in my network and possibly insist that they give their review as well. I personally look forward to learning more from Maria and her growing work in communication and leadership. Thank you so much for this masterpiece!
April 17, 2015
Maria is a master storyteller! I found myself making a list of all the leaders I know who will receive this as a gift from me. The principles of building bridges of communication are relevant and critical to just about every area of our lives. It's a quick and relevant read that will have a lasting impact if you choose to apply it!
July 20, 2015
A must have book for anyone involved in leading a team or influencing people, but what I really valued about this book the most were the implicit lessons the parable carried about authenticity, vulnerability and the courage to risk showing your true self in the most demanding of circumstances.
September 30, 2020
Great business help.
February 28, 2016
I LIKE getting what I want which is why I LOVE Maria's book about how to get it through Superb Communications.
This book forces you to reflect on your own experiences to assess how the principles apply to your specific situations and how you could have better communicated using the principles being described. I like that there are lots of models and diagrams including unique ones like the 'Bridge Builder's Approach to Communications.'
The content is inter-woven with a parable that opens the book with a powerful story. It is broken down into short & easily digestible chapters with summaries 'bridge builder notes' highlighting key points.
This book forces you to reflect on your own experiences to assess how the principles apply to your specific situations and how you could have better communicated using the principles being described. I like that there are lots of models and diagrams including unique ones like the 'Bridge Builder's Approach to Communications.'
The content is inter-woven with a parable that opens the book with a powerful story. It is broken down into short & easily digestible chapters with summaries 'bridge builder notes' highlighting key points.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews