Well, the book is now published and I took advantage of a power outage at my house on Wednesday to read the whole thing (at the library, where the lights were still on). This is my book review.
In the first chapter the authors set out to show that anyone can become an influence and effect change by using the proper strategies. Influencer builds the case for effecting change primarily by sharing their studies of individuals and teams that have successfully effected change. This being the case, Influencer is filled with case study after case study and some of them are quite fascinating.
Influencer relies heavily on behavioral science studies and methods. That is okay, but most readers will not have a heavy behavioral science background that would allow them to go out and devise similar strategies. The solutions seem simple - in fact, they are simple - once they are presented. Hindsight is always 20/20, however. The thinking that got to the "simple" solution isn't always straightforward and obvious. The average person, without behavioral training, could consider some of these problems for years and might never come up with the solutions presented in the book.
To me, however, the real strength of Influencer lies in its capacity to encourage people to think outside of the box and consider novel and innovative solutions to their problems. I don't think I'm sharing too much information or giving you a spoiler by saying that in almost every situation the influencers in the book addressed the root causes behind the problem in order to solve it. This is the kind of creative thinking that truly accomplishes things!
A, perhaps unintended, subtheme in the book was the role that media plays in influencing people. In case after case the authors presented a situation had been solved because viewers watched a television or radio drama where the characters experienced the problem that the influencers were trying to solve. The problems addressed by media were serious - ranging from literacy to spousal abuse to rape/abduction of young women. This subtheme has definitely strengthened my resolve to pay attention the media that my children are exposed to. (I have to admit that we used to be quite strict about media, but have lately become more lax.)
I do think that this book makes an interesting read and has some very helpful ideas. I definitely recommend this book to Work From Home Momma readers. I think that it would be of particular interest to two types of readers: first of all, to the moms; secondly, the marketers. As moms we definitely have a vested interest in influencing our children. Marketers will also want to be familiar with this book. In my opinion if Influencer can help you approach your problems in a fresh way, then the book has done its job.
For myself, I plan to read Influencer again so that I really grasp the principles that it is trying to teach. Then I will look at a few problems with my kids and see if I can find a way to solve the root of the problems as a test. I will also examine media and other influence agents in society with an open eye by asking myself: what is this media trying to accomplish and is its goal right and true?
You can learn more about getting your own copy of Influencer from the book's website.
What about you? Are you interested in learning more about this book? Have you read the book yourself? (I'd love to hear your opinions.)
Leave us a comment and let us know.
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This is an excellent book. If we want to learn how to change behaviors that seem intractable, this book will give us powerful change tools. It isn't about quick fixes, self-help, or even the "persuasion techniques" that salesmen need to close a deal or managers need to get their orders followed. This book is about influencing behavior over the long view. I found a deal online: http://www.dealstudio.com/searchdeals.php?deal_id=66285
It is indeed an important book that is worth reading.
Posted by: Marie | November 2, 2007 6:17 AM | Permalink to Comment