This book is written for leaders at any level. It provides a guide to the new rules of engagement and power in modern organisations and how to get things done by influencing people, the agenda and outcomes. It does this by introducing the reader to eight paths to influence, each of which is examined in a stand-alone chapter.
1. Power (taking control) 2. Persuasion (winning hearts and minds) 3. Compliance (changing behaviours) 4. Indoctrination (changing beliefs) 5. Knowledge (controlling information) 6. Spin (managing meaning) 7. Charisma (increasing attractiveness) 8. Networks (building relationships)
The underpinning theme of this book is that there is more to influence than getting your own way and that influence is more beneficial when exercised with ethics and emotional intelligence. The moral issues surrounding influence are explored and advice is given for leaders who wish to be influential without resorting to Machevellian ploys or destroying trust.
The chapters are contributed by Australian management commentators who have expanded the boudnaries of business and management thought and are comfortable exploring the personal and societal aspects of leadership. Each chapter reflects the contributor's deeply held views on how leaders and managers can use ethical infleunce strategies to get things done.
The chapters are written in the first person, in a lively and accessible style, and are an engaging combination of theory, real-life examples, personal anecdotes, passionate opinion and practical guidelines.