russia has launched a full-scale war in Ukraine. Donate to support Ukraine and protect the world’s peace.

Influencer

summary ofInfluencerBook by Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler

12 min
00:00
/
00:00
Get full summary

You’ll learn

  • How small changes impact big goals
  • What drives lasting behavioral shifts
  • When to leverage social support
  • Ways accountability fosters success

first KEY POINT

Influence makes it easier to achieve long-term goals and grow an audience

Most times, the solution to the problems we have in our society today does not call for more technologies, data, or theories. Instead, we can solve our problems through our ability to influence others — a skill everyone needs to learn. As glamorous as it looks on social media, influencing others is not a game of chance. There are three things that influencers take more seriously than others:• Focus and measure: influencers are particular about what they want to achieve and are passionate about measuring it.
• Vital behaviors: change leaders focus on essential behaviors that will assist them in achieving their desired results.
• Six sources of influence: those who seek to impact others tend to look for the different forces that shape the behavior they want to change and use them to their advantage. These forces come from six sources: personal motivation, personal ability, social motivation, social ability, structural motivation, and structural ability.

There are many influencers out there, and the good news is that what these people know and do can be learned.

Influencing is not just for social media; everyone needs to know how to facilitate change in different aspects of life. This summary provides powerful insight into making behavior changes that will last. Additionally, it presents a practical approach to leading change and empowering everyone to make a difference.

second KEY POINT

The first key to influencing others is to focus and measure

To be an influencer in any sphere, the first thing you need to do is to focus and measure. For a start, the goal you want to achieve needs to be very clear, and you should look for ways to measure your progress. Most people who desire to be influencers fail from the onset because they neglect this step. Some of the common mistakes that undermine people’s ability to influence others are:• Vague goals
• Infrequent or no measures
• Bad measuresVague goalsThe way you define your objectives determines whether you will influence others. Having a clear and compelling goal engages the brain and hearts of others. Dr. Don Berwick, former CEO of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), was alarmed by the fact that inadequate healthcare ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in America. To drive change, he boldly challenged thousands of healthcare professionals in December 2004 to save 100,000 lives by June 14, 2006, at exactly 9 a.m. His goal was to inspire health workers to take action and reduce deaths resulting from poor healthcare. His 100,000 Lives Campaign was so successful that he and his team beat the goal. Dr. Don Berwick achieved this result because his goals were very clear — he wanted to save lives. Another reason Dr. Berwick successfully reached this goal was giving a specific number of lives, and the goal was time-bound.

book cover

Continue reading with Headway app

Continue reading

Full summary is waiting for you in the app

first KEY POINT

Change doesn’t always have to be drastic; small changes can lead to huge benefits

second KEY POINT

Personal motivation and personal ability are two crucial sources of influence that transform behavior

third KEY POINT

Use social motivation and social ability to drive change among individuals in your circle

fourth KEY POINT

Using structural motivation and ability as the first influence strategy yields bad results

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler are the minds behind VitalSmarts, a training platform that teaches behavioral skills. Over 300 of the Fortune 500 companies have sought their expertise.

Join 55+ million learners worldwide

172K 5 reviews on App Store and Google Play

Get started

Frequently asked questions

What is Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change about?

Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change explores powerful strategies for effecting meaningful change within organizations and communities. Authored by Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler, it highlights the psychology behind influence and how individuals can drive impactful results.

What are the key takeaways from Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change?

Key takeaways from Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change include understanding the importance of personal motivation, building a supportive environment, and employing effective communication tactics to inspire action. These principles help individuals and leaders harness their influence to initiate lasting change.

Is Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change worth reading?

Yes, Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change is definitely worth reading, especially for those interested in leadership and organizational change. It provides practical insights and actionable strategies supported by research, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their influence.

How many pages is Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change and when was it published?

Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change has approximately 240 pages and was first published in 2013. This concise format allows readers to grasp its essential concepts without overwhelming detail.

Who are the authors of Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change?

The authors of Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change are Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler. They are renowned experts in leadership and organizational behavior, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the book.