The Art of Quiet Influence: Timeless Wisdom for Leading without Authority

by Jocelyn Davis

Anyone can be a quiet influencer. But not everyone knows how.

"A tremendous and relevant read!" -Stephen M. R. Covey, New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Speed of Trust

Drawing on the enduring wisdom of the Buddha, Confucius, Rumi, Gandhi and others, The Art of Quiet Influence shows anyone, not just bosses, how to use influence without authority, a key mindfulness principle, to get things done at work and in life. Through the classic wisdom of 12 Eastern sages, relevant insights from influence research, and anecdotes and advice from 25 contemporary experts, Davis lays out a path for becoming a "mainspring," the unobtrusive yet powerful influencer first introduced in her book The Greats on Leadership .

Organized around three core influence practices - Invite Participation, Share Power, and Aid Progress - readers will learn how to take mindfulness practice "out of the gym and onto the field," while gaining the confidence and practical know-how to be influential in whatever role they occupy.

Genres: Nonfiction, Leadership, Self Help, Business, Philosophy, Audiobook, Professional Development

256 pages, Paperback

Published September 6, 2022

Reviews

[Tino · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay read. It had some valuable insights but the incessant mentions of the company she worked at (Forum) was a little much. It almost felt like an ad or case study of the company. 3 stars.

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I truly wish I liked professional books more than I do.

[ساجد العبدلي · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Art of Quiet Influence, Jocelyn Davis brings old philosophical wisdom to shed light on the best practices to influence groups of people.

It's not just another business or leadership book. In this interesting book, Jocelyn Davis draws on the wisdom of the old masters -- from Confucius to Rumi to Buddha to Gandhi – to provide timeless advice for dealing with current leadership and business challenges.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on how to lead as an introverted or quiet person and without yelling or being loud. Sometime to be heard you have to lower your voice and raise your words.
Ruin

[Rudy Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was super helpful! I've always been interested in leadership and influence, so I was stoked to read a book that had a more respectful and subtle approach. Davis provides some real-world examples and research that are super practical and easy to put into action. I especially dug the focus on building trust and relationships, which I think are key to being a good leader.

Overall, I think this book can be a very good guide to becoming a better influencer. The book emphasizes emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and ethical behavior, which I think are crucial traits for being a good leader. I loved all the tips and tricks for improving communication and building better relationships, and I think the advice is relevant not just in the workplace, but in all areas of life. I can't wait to use what I've learned in my own personal and professional interactions.

[Blertë · Rating 1 out of 5]

It starts off good, gives you some good advices and then it goes to philosophy, history and fiction of other countries’s books and people, that is absolutely boring and too long. And then it talks about Forum (the place the author worked), and it goes on in this kind of loop all the time until you eventually start to get so bored of it that you think why am I forcing myself to read this?! It would be a lot better if the author didn’t stop and tell stories (whether fictional or history) every few pages, of other (religious, spiritual, philosophical) books to try and explain something she wants to say when she could say it better and shorter in her own words, I am sure. Why do people have to use 100 words to say something that they could’ve said in 10? And why does it have to be based on some philosophy in order to be authentic or true?!
I stopped at 62% because I just can’t read it anymore. I wouldn’t recommend it.

[Nathan Betts · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5) Without knowing anything about this book, I was surprised to get a deep dive into the concepts and thoughts of Eastern religious and social thinkers of ancient and modern times. Nevertheless, it was enjoyable and provided insight. I think the personal anecdotes felt out of place or out of touch sometimes, and early parts of the book were a bit disorganized; however, I walked away with some leadership tools and ideas to try that I’ve never heard someone else specifically mention before.

[❆ Ash ❆ (fable link in bio) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I feel like there was a lot included that didn’t really need to be.


“ᴛʀᴜꜱᴛ, ʜᴏᴡᴇᴠᴇʀ, ɪꜱ ᴀɴ ᴏᴜᴛᴄᴏᴍᴇ, ɴᴏᴛ ᴀɴ ɪɴᴘᴜᴛ.”

[Trina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping for modern, practical ideas and anecdotes about how quieter people can still lead a business or organization. Unfortunately much of this was old examples from the author's experience, or ancient advice from historic change makers.

[Ally · Rating 1 out of 5]

(1.5) This book would be great for people who work in corporate America and want to learn how to build stronger connections and have smoother interactions with others. Especially if you lead a team or are in charge of directing groups of people, there could be some great learning from this book.

That being said, I hated listening to this book. I am a clinical social worker, and any advice this book offered were simply things I already do all the time. It’s clear this book is directed toward corporate America and not complex interpersonal relationships. The history of the philosophical aspects was interesting, but I quickly learned that philosophy isn’t my thing. I did finish the book, and I can see the benefits for those who are lacking in common social skills, but overall the book felt like a waste of my time. I definitely encourage this read for those who feel like they are trapped in corporate cycles, but for anyone who does any sort of clinical work, this book will not teach you anything new.

[Jerry Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

A read that involved eastern philosophy in improving character. This was an exciting read, but not personally my cup of tea. I enjoy eastern philosophy, but not in the context of improving character.

[Andrew Heyne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really tried with this book. The first half was a chore, the second half unreadable. I threw the towel in at page 163 out of 238. There was occasional insightful commentary, but it feels like it could have been condensed to about a third of its length without losing any conviction

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Applying Eastern philosophy to how you should live your life in the work space.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this book tried to include and cover too much. It says it's a book about quiet influence, but it's actually more about twelve sages from the East (the Mahabharata, Buddha, Mencius, Confucius, Zhuangzi, Sima Qian, the Yoga Vasistha, Murasaki Shikubu, Ibn Tufayl, Zen Master Dogen, Rumi, and Mahatma Gandhi) and things the author learned from them, as well as from her own work experiences. Some of it has to do with influence, but it was a bit hard for me to follow. I did like some of the points and principles. Here are my favorites:

"Influence is the art of getting things done without coercion. More precisely, it's the ability to engage and guide others in collaborative work without relying on positional authority... Influence is strength without force, requiring neither title nor resources (p. 3)."

"Influence... is never about getting your way. It's about co-creating a new way, a better way, our way (p. 8)."

"We become more effective leaders, with improved focus and decision making (p. 11)."

"These twelve Eastern sages were mavericks. Most were marginalized or simply ignored by the establishment of their time and rediscovered centuries later by seekers of a better way (p. 21)."

"Caring is... the first order of business (p. 36)."

"First in our list of twelve influence practices is 'demonstrating care for colleagues' (p. 41)."

"'In order to have any influence, you have to start with trust, and the basis for trust is your relationships. In Asia there is the concept of guanxi: the web of relationships' (Galina Jeffrey, p. 42)."

"'Influence is not a transactional, one-and-done effort. It is a loop of goodness, a contribution to the collective' (Molly McGinn, p. 43)."

"The humane neighborhood is powerful simply because more people want to be in it... When a group is known for its humanity, the problematic people tend to stay away, because ren attracts the good and repels the bad (p. 48)."

"Encouraging means showing, in words, tone, and body language, that you want to hear more (p. 59)."

"Whether the culture is one of innovation, collaboration, humaneness, or anything else, telling people to 'make it so' is ineffective (p. 72)."

"'Be the change you wish to see' (p. 77)."

"Exude appreciation and good cheer (p. 77)."

"Throughout any collaboration... patience and dialogue are critical (p. 91)."

"How do we really know another person? How do we know if they're smart, or kind, or funny? Superficially, by what they say and do; more deeply, but their effect on us. The smartest person in the room is not the person with the best ideas, but rather the person who draws out everyone else's best ideas. A truly kind person amplifies the kindness of others. The most delightful friends are not the ones who tell a lot of jokes, but the ones who take delight in our jokes (p. 98)."

"If we want to be one of those presences that brings out the best in others... then we should balance our typical practice, which is to learn about other people and then try to get them to learn from us, with a complementary practice, namely to tell them about ourselves and then seek to learn from them (p. 99)."

"'You know how to employ wise generals. That makes you extraordinary' (p. 129)."

"The good follower... the person who effectively supports the plans of others--is an unsung hero (p. 130)."

"I didn't want to work things out. I didn't want to do anything that might require self-reflection or self-control. I just wanted Leo, and the rest of the colonialists, gone (p. 159)."

"Instead of battling your adversaries for a piece of an existing pie, you bake a new and bigger pie and invite them to the table (p. 159)."

"Mahatma Gandhi advises us to stop trying to master other people and, instead, master ourselves (p. 171)."

"Clearly, trust is linked to influence: when trust is absent, people won't move with you (P. 174)."

"When it comes to making the flywheel spin, nothing answers like simply getting up in the morning and doing the work, persistently and consistently (p. 184)."

"We laugh at the silly man tugging on rice shoots to make them grow, but we've all done it (p. 195)."

"Just as bad as pulling on the shoots is neglecting to weed the rice paddy in the belief that 'nothing will help' (p. 196)."

"Three ways of being present stand out: 1) Pay attention; 2) Do it yourself; 3) Work with what you have (p. 210)."

"Presence is the basis for progress (p. 213)."

"What prevents us from being present? What keeps us from being open, aware, and engaged, especially in situations that feel threatening?... Shame... Eastern thinkers... see shame as a valuable emotion felt by good, humane people and as one of the glues holding society together (p. 216)."

"'To influence, you must be willing to be influenced' (p. 218)."

"The small and meek don't set off bullies' threat sensors (p. 230)."

"The thirteenth sage is Ed, accused of being too nice... Mimi, who when I thanked her for her mentorship replied, 'The learning went both ways.'... Cedric the waiter, who took a moment out of the breakfast shift to tell the flustered new guy he was doing a great job... Barbara, who listened to me rant... then leaned forward and encouraged me to 'say more.'... 'I'm a human, you're a human'... When we courageously grasp those strands and let them guide us through the system, we transcend the system. We become the influencers. We are the sages (p. 237)."

"'Sages do not hoard.
Having bestowed all they have on others, they have yet more.
Having given all they have to others, they are richer still.
The way of heaven benefits and does not harm;
The way of the sage is bountiful and does not contend' (Laozi, p. 238)."

"Demonstrate care for colleagues. Be courteous and respectful... Be available to those who request your advice or help... Show appropriate interest (p. 239)."

"Exude appreciation and good cheer... Say 'thank you' often and with sincerity... Welcome all feedback (p. 241)."

"Signal your desire to work together rather than compete... Seek to understand (p. 241)."

"Be just as willing to follow another's plan as to advocate for your own. Support others in producing their best work (p. 242)."

"Take time each day to reflect, plan, or learn (p. 243)."

"Work to build clarity, unity, and agility in every group endeavor (p. 243)."

"Invest in building skills and knowledge--your own and others' (p. 244)."

[ساجد العبدلي · Rating 4 out of 5]

‎كتاب فن النفوذ الصامت لجوسلين ديفيس هو دليل ملهم حول القيادة بدون سلطة رسمية، مستلهمًا من الفلسفات الشرقية وممارسات اليقظة الذهنية. بأسلوب واضح وسلس، تقدم الكاتبة ثلاث فضائل أساسية للتأثير الهادئ: الحكمة، والمثابرة، والخدمة، مدعمة بأمثلة عملية من الحياة والعمل.

‎ما يميز هذا الكتاب هو تركيزه على بناء التأثير العميق عبر التواضع والذكاء العاطفي، بدلاً من السلطة الفعلية أو الهيمنة. أحببت كيف يدمج بين الحكمة القديمة والتحديات العصرية، مما يجعله مفيدًا لكل من يسعى للقيادة بأسلوب هادئ ولكن فعال.

‎أعطيته أربع نجوم لأنه، رغم ثرائه، كان من الممكن أن يكون أكثر تنظيمًا في بعض الأجزاء، خصوصًا في توضيح استراتيجيات التطبيق العملي. لكنه يظل كتابًا رائعًا لمن يريد التأثير بطريقة غير تقليدية، خاصة لمن يعملون في بيئات لا تعتمد على السلطة الرسمية.

[Sarai Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a lot of books about leadership and child development and they all really say the same things. Some are interesting and easy to understand, with stories and anecdotes that make the book special, others are bland and far to dry to be read. This book made my eyes burn.

It was sooo dry.

There was a lot of good information inside the pages, but nothing I hadn't heard before.

Sara | Book Confessions of an ExBallerina | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although to start this book was a bit challenging it did turn into a very engaging read with much knowledge to pass on- The Eastern and Western traditions being contrasted and compared was a format which took a bit to register with my brain but once I picked up on the authors intended format for presenting the information it was truly enjoyable. Through this book we see indeed the two have much they could learn from each other.

[Sierra Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, a very different dive into leadership from a corporate perspective. Dry at times, but with a good amount of variety in terms of the philosophy used as the backbone. The idea of "quiet influence" as the most important form of leadership is a nice change of pace from the usual grit and power-chasing mentality I would generally expect from leadership books. A lot of the corporate scenarios are lost on me, but it was still personable and relatable throughout.

[Matt Heavner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of interesting leadership and influence ideas. I liked the narrative of leadership insights from various Eastern sages. However, I didn't buy the binary "east vs west" aspect of the book. The book was a mix of "ancient wisdom," personal reflections, and (a bit too much) history of the Forum company. Still, overall, I enjoyed reading and reflecting on the book.

[Alex Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fun journey

I learned quite a bit reading this. I especially enjoyed the chapter on objections as well as the chapter on mindfulness. The follow up questions at the end of the book too because it gives you insight into the thinking of the author.

[Vivek Patil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a hidden treasure. Reading it for the second time now!

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

I understand the main title, and in many ways it is an appropriate title, but the subtitle is not accurate at all. It’s not really a leadership book for people without authority. While it is a book about influence, influence is more the vehicle being used to express eastern philosophy to the reader.

Every chapter takes a different character from either eastern religion, eastern mythology, or an eastern Philosopher to bring out different points the author is trying to make about how eastern philosophy is better than western philosophy. Each chapter is composed of an error the author believes western philosophy makes, the better eastern philosophy concept, and an eastern character or historical figure who exemplifies the better eastern concept.

In many ways this book is the best book on eastern religion and eastern philosophy that I have read in a long time. Yet I was annoyed that it almost feels like more of an attack on western culture and western philosophy. The author simply doesn’t understand western philosophy and arrogantly makes false claims based on her misinterpretations. I would have found it humorous if it didn’t seem like a constant barrage.

I did find it funny that the author called many western authors “gurus”. I have never thought of Brene Brown, James Collins, or Robert Green as a gurus before, but this author seems to think they are. I did think her comments on Robert Greene’s “48 Laws of Power” were fun. I am not much of a fan of Greene’s but I have been told by multiple people that I read him wrong. So to be fair, the author and I might simply not understand Greene or be able to overcome the feeling of taking a bath in cynicism we get when reading his books.( I should probably give him a third chance, but now I am wondering if I can do so without thinking of him as a guru anymore!)

Overall it was a decent enough book if you were looking to be introduced to eastern philosophy. Or maybe it’s better to think of the book as a conversion tool for eastern philosophy. I personally think that eastern philosophy has its place and at times, and on certain subjects, is quite good and on point. I wouldn’t even say that all the author’s complaints of western philosophy were off base. Still it felt like an attack on western culture and philosophy at times and that irritated me a little. What irritated me more was that I didn’t find anything of substance for anyone looking to lead without authority and the substance for quietly influencing was hit or miss. Albeit, I do agree with the author that credibility and influence go farther than authoritative power all day, any day, and influence can certainly be, well, quiet!

[Chad Manske · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Jocelyn Davis’ book, “The Art of Quiet Influence: Timeless Wisdom for Leading without Authority,” readers are taken on a transformative journey through the power of subtle leadership and influence. Davis challenges the conventional notion that leadership is synonymous with assertiveness and charisma, instead advocating for a more understated and nuanced approach to leading others. The book is filled with insightful anecdotes, practical tips, and thought-provoking exercises that encourage readers to reflect on their own leadership style and how they can leverage the art of quiet influence to achieve their goals. Davis draws on timeless wisdom from ancient philosophers, modern-day leaders, and her own personal experiences to illustrate the effectiveness of leading with humility, empathy, and authenticity. One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of building trust and credibility through active listening, emotional intelligence, and genuine connections with others. Davis emphasizes the power of leading by example and inspiring others through quiet confidence and integrity, rather than relying on formal authority or flashy displays of power. What sets “The Art of Quiet Influence” apart from other leadership books is its emphasis on inner transformation and self-awareness as the foundation for effective leadership. Davis challenges readers to confront their own biases, fears, and insecurities in order to become more empathetic, resilient, and influential leaders. She provides practical tools and strategies for developing a growth mindset, managing emotions, and navigating complex interpersonal dynamics with grace and poise. Overall, “The Art of Quiet Influence” is a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and make a positive impact in their personal and professional lives. Davis’ engaging writing style, insightful perspectives, and actionable advice make this book a valuable resource for aspiring leaders, seasoned executives, and anyone seeking to lead with authenticity and influence without authority.

[Ice M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 32%. I really tried to power through, but I feel like if I keep going, I might end up in a reading slump. So I'm stopping here.

The book has such an interesting premise and starts out promising, but ultimately ends up flat and dry. Here are some things I wrote while reading (mostly reasons why I DNF'ed):

- Unnecessarily long-winded (there were many moments that made me go "pls get to the point")
- Includes overly opinionated interpretations of history/philosophy (maybe the book was intended to be more of a philosophical musing, but that is NOT what I expected)
- Some advice in the book contradicts itself and the author tries to resolve this by putting her two cents in, which makes the claims/advice in the book subjective (not my cup of tea)
- Uses hand-picked excerpts from historical texts (cherry-picking = subjective)
- Written with the consideration of the Eastern culture in mind, but ultimately, lacks the nuances that would help us better appreciate the Eastern culture's modern views on influence
- Format constantly switches between philosophical references and the author's modern day experiences from her job. The transitions were so jarring it takes a while to get used to.
- Makes references to "other books that she's written" and "trainings she's conducted". I don't like books that try to sell me stuff.

I don't regret the time I spent reading this book. There were some truly interesting stuff inserted here and there, but at some point it gets dragging and the writing style becomes dry. So the overall reading experience ends up not living up to the promising start established in the beginning. I would probably not pick this book up again, but might look up a summary of it instead.

[Alexander Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a bit oversaturated with the repeating of the company she worked for, Forum. It was almost as if it was being bombarded on me as I'm reading it. The book went a little too deep for me in the westerns vs Easterns thinking but I'll have a few points for the history lesson.

After a while I found myself trying to push through this book just to complete it. I personally do not like DNF'ing a book, so it was hard to read at times just because it was getting bland.

It draws lessons from figures such as Lao Tzu, Buddha, and Rumi, among others, highlighting how quiet influence can be a powerful tool in leadership and personal development. Some of the points are very informative like Strength Without Force, Traditional Power Approaches Are Ineffective, Human Connection and Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence. I did gain some good insights on Quiet Influence, about being a better leader at work and with personal relationships. Quiet Influence is achieved through subtle, authentic interactions rather than overt displays of power.

[Anna Isabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the message of this book and the philosophy of each sage used to confirm the author’s points. I also love that she has some shortened best practices at the end of the book to summarize everything. The Eastern philosophy is fascinating, and she does an excellent job of incorporating ancient wisdom into modern-day recommendations for being a good person and work and life. I also appreciated her footnotes with further explanations on complex themes.

I’m giving this 3-stars only because I found the writing style a bit difficult. There were many times when the wording of a paragraph would force me to re-read the entire page. It’s a well-crafted book, just more academic and sometimes passive in writing style.

[Sarah Frost · Rating 4 out of 5]

In another review it was mentioned that Davis reflects on her time at Forum as if she were writing a case study of the company. I view it differently. As with most writers, we utilize our experiences to teach something to others, whether through an actual lesson or through storytelling. How else do we teach but from learning ourselves? Her knowledge of the sages allowed her to link that with her experiences working with leaders and being one herself. The result is a slew of unique and rational advice geared especially toward (I think) the new leader with minimal experience. The primary lesson being “It’s not the system, it’s the person.”

*Shaved just one star for minimal errors. It’s a pet peeve of mine, but it doesn’t take away from the power of the book’s message.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

"And many introverts... need extra help: we who naturally gravitate toward reflection rather than action need a playbook for taking mindfulness out of the gym and onto the field...

The more time and effort we invest early on to create a real group--that is, one whose members feel welcomed and integral rather than overlooked and dispensable--the more time and effort we save later, when problems inevitably crop up and unity is tested...

But time spent on developing a shared outlook is never time wasted."

[Doug Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

No idea why the ratings are so low. Davis does an amazing job taking some of the most critical leadership concepts of the past 50 years and connecting them back to Eastern philosophy. In between those connections she uses personal stories to convey the ideas better. Could the personal stories have been picked better, yes. Is this a leadership book that actually hits the nail on the head, also yes. As an operations manager of a large plant, the lessons she presents here are the fast track to learning what it took me many hard episodes to learn.

[Pepper · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book uses Eastern teachings to demonstrate how to influence without being in a position of authority. She makes some great points, but I do think that some of it is conflicting with navigating the Western world, especially as a woman. Ultimately, if you're not looking to be in a position of authority or be in the spotlight as a woman, then this book is helpful. But as a female leader, there are many teachings to take from, but it has to be supplemented with how to be forward leaning and assertive.