From the bestselling authors of The Go-Giver, Go-Givers Sell More, and The Go-Giver Leader comes another compelling parable about the paradox of getting ahead by placing other people's interests first.
From the bestselling authors of The Go-Giver, Go-Givers Sell More, and The Go-Giver Leader comes another compelling parable about the paradox of getting ahead by placing other people's interests first.The Go-Giver Influencer is a story about two young, ambitious businesspeople: Gillian Waters, the chief buyer for Smith & Banks, a midsized company that operates a national chain of pet accessory stores; and Jackson Hill, the founder of Angels Clothed in Fur, a small but growing manufacturer of all-natural pet foods. Each has something the other wants. To Jackson, Smith & Banks represents the possibility of reaching more animals with his products--if he can negotiate terms and conditions that will protect his company's integrity. To Gillian, Angels Clothed in Fur could give her company a distinctive, uniquely high-quality line that will help them stand out from their competitors--if Angels Clothed in Fur can be persuaded to give them an exclusive.At first, the negotiations are adversarial and frustrating. Then, coincidentally, Gillian and Jackson each encounter a mysterious yet kindly mentor. Over the next week, while neither one realizes the other is doing the same, both Gillian and Jackson learn the heart of both mentors' philosophies: The Five Secrets of Genuine Influence.The story ends in a way that surprises everyone--and with lessons we can all apply in our efforts to resolve conflicts and influence others.
Praise:
“This may be the most important Go-Giver book yet—and in today’s polarized world, it could not be more timely.â€
—Marshall Goldsmith, author of What Got You Here Won’t Get You There
“The Go-Giver Influencer is a brilliant and insightful book that teaches us how to see things from the other person’s point of view and add value to their life while honoring our own. Remarkable!â€
—Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The New One Minute Manager and Raving Fans
“As with The Go-Giver, I was sucked in and touched from the first page. This book is such a wonderful guide for those who truly care about adding value to the world! I had tears in my eyes at the end—and came away equipped with five powerful keys to being a more effective influencer.â€
—Tiffany Hendra, star of The Real Housewives of Dallas
“Having the ability to influence others is a privilege that far exceeds any negotiation strategy or tactic. This wonderful book gives you the roadmap and the tools to make this happen!â€
—Stephen M. R. Covey, author of The Speed of Trust and coauthor of Smart Trust
“In a world that has become increasingly fractured and adversarial, Burg and Mann have given us a delightful story that also serves as a guidebook for creating common ground, reconciliation, and genuine influence.â€
—Jon Gordon, author of The Energy Bus and The Carpenter
“The Go-Giver Influencer is a game-changer. Its principles apply whether you’re a business executive, sales professional, entrepreneur, volunteer, parent, or student. The entire Go-Giver series should have a place on everyone’s desk and be reread periodically to remind ourselves that there is a better way to connect in both our business and personal lives.â€
—Nikki Woods, CEO of Nikki Woods Media
“More than ever, we need to bring people together in a world that’s emotionally falling apart at the seams. That’s why The Go-Giver Influencer is a must-read for you and your team. In this page-turner, Bob Burg and John David Mann share a story that will shift your perspective on what it takes today to be a highly influential leader.â€
— Tim Sanders, author of Love Is the Killer App
“A timely reminder that influence depends less on what we get from others and more on what we give to others.â€
—Adam Grant, author of Give and Take, Originals, and Option B with Sheryl Sandberg
“The Go-Giver Influencer is a simple story about two people struggling through a business negotiation, yet it is also a great deal more than that. It may just be the book that teaches us how to listen and talk to each other again.â€
—David Bach, author of The Automatic Millionaire and Smart Women Finish Rich
“Filled with profoundly simple insights you can put into immediate action, The Go-Giver Influencer is a magical look at how you can transcend the win/lose mindset to find a powerful third way. Thank you, Burg and Mann, for yet another Go-Giver book that helps us see the ordinary in extraordinary new ways. I will be sharing this book with everyone in my company!â€
—Traci Fenton, founder and CEO of WorldBlu
“If you do nothing more than read and follow the lesson of chapter 7 in The Go-Giver Influencer, you will have given yourself a gift that can be life-changing. Trust me, it is the essential element to great leadership as well as a great life.â€
—Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, and author of Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family
“What a beautiful book! The Go-Giver Influencer delivers a message the world needs today more than ever, a message of empathy and insight. This may be the most masterful Go-Giver book yet—and the most important.â€
— Nido Qubein, president of High Point University
“A must-read! The Go-Giver Influencer is a winner’s strategy.â€
—Molly W. Fletcher, legendary sports agent, author of A Winner’s Guide to Negotiating, and CEO of The Molly Fletcher Company
“Bob Burg and John David Mann have hit it out of the park again. The Go-Giver Influencer enriches and extends the seminal ideas of their previous works to creating harmony in an increasingly polarized world and win-win outcomes in your personal and professional lives. This book will sit beside Dale Carnegie’s timeless How to Win Friends and Influence People on the short shelf of classic must-read success titles.â€
—Adam Robinson, cofounder of The Princeton Review and author of An Invitation to the Great Game
“Don’t be fooled by this story’s simplicity: Bob and John have given us a sophisticated blueprint for masterful negotiation. Not the tired old strong-arm tactics you’ve read before, but genuine negotiation, the kind that helps you reach your goals and makes the world a better place in the process.â€
—Brandon Webb, former Navy SEAL, CEO of Hurricane Media Group and coauthor of The Red Circle and Total Focus
“Forget about influence as a process of simply getting your name, products, and services in front of as many people as you can. As the authors powerfully demonstrate, genuine influence is the fine art of building trust, creating win-win scenarios, and providing first-class value. I LOVE this book!â€
—Libby Gill, author of You Unstuck, executive coach, former SVP at Universal Studios Television, former VP at Sony Pictures Television and Turner Broadcasting
“The wisdom in The Go Giver Influencer sneaks up on you and, in the end, changes you. I loved the book and am the better for having read it.â€
—Dan Rockwell, publisher of the Leadership Freak blog
“A wonderful story that shows why being kind, considerate, and respectful is not only the right way to be, but also the most influential, persuasive, and successful way to be, as well. In my real life, it’s everything I believe in. On a reality TV show, of course, that would be a producer’s worst nightmare—everyone would get along too well and be too happy!â€
—Jacqueline Laurita, television personality (The Real Housewives of New Jersey)
“The Go-Giver Influencer is like having a seasoned mentor or wise grandparent help improve the way you negotiate, influence, and persuade—and most importantly, stop being a roadblock to your own success. You’ll want to buy copies for your all your valued colleagues!â€
—Carol Roth, founder of the Future File® legacy planning system, television host and author of The Entrepreneur Equation
“A masterpiece—profound and vital. Thank you, Bob and John, for writing the perfect book at the perfect time with the most perfect message.â€
— Lolly Daskal, author of The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
“The Go-Give Influencer is a beautiful story that redefines and reframes our notion of leadership, influence, and the legacy we want to leave. A true gift for all who want to make an impact.â€
— Angela Maiers, author of Genius Matters and founder of Choose2Matter
“In The Go-Giver Influencer, Bob Burg and John David Mann provide incredibly wise counsel on how to communicate more successfully and more effectively. This entertaining parable reveals step-by-step how you can add value to every conversation you have, while achieving the greatest results for everyone involved.â€
—Sharon Lechter, author of Think and Grow Rich for Women and coauthor of Outwitting the Devil and Rich Dad Poor Dad
“This is more than just another book about influence, it’s the owners manual. If influence is like the Force in Star Wars, then Bob Burg and John David Mann are twin Yodas. You know how people say, ‘If you read only one book this year…â€? I’m saying, if you read only one book this decade, let it be this one.â€
—Duane Cummings, CEO of Leadercast
“The next installment in the Go-Giver series, and the best yet. Burg and Mann deliver a brilliant book on how to expand your influence.â€
—Randy Gage, author of Risky Is the New Safe and Mad Genius
“A beautiful and compelling story about the power of making a difference versus making a point. Bob Burg and John David Mann show how we can find the collaborative space in any discussion or debate, even when we can’t see one. In a world where the spoken word is too often used to vilify and defeat, this book brings us back to how we can take two differing perspectives and weave them into a tremendous thread that actually binds us closer together.â€
—Tracey C. Jones, president of Tremendous Leadership
“If you do any type of selling, negotiating, delivering or receiving feedback—which is all of us—this book will immediately make your life better and your relationships more fruitful. An absolute gem of a read!â€
—Rory Vaden, cofounder of Southwestern Consulting and author of Take the Stairs
“Bob Burg and John David Mann know what many people don’t: that the most effective negotiation isn’t about intimidation, it’s about listening.â€
—Sheryl O’Loughlin, CEO of REBBL, former CEO of Clif Bar and cofounder of Plum, Inc.
“A wise and effective book. I will apply the lessons to my life.â€
—Kamal Ravikant, author of Rebirth and Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It
“An extraordinarily enjoyable read with a powerful, enduring message. If you desire to be a person of excellence and influence, start your journey by reading this book. Its wisdom will stay with you long after you finish.â€
—Skip Prichard, president and CEO of OCLC, Inc., blogger at skipprichard.com, and author of The Book of Mistakes
“This small book contains big, life-changing, career-changing ideas. You’ll approach colleagues, friends, and even adversaries with a whole new lens. If you want to influence others with ease and grace, read it tonight, implement it tomorrow morning.â€
—Lisa Earle McLeod, author of Selling with Noble Purpose
“Compelling reading for anyone who seeks to influence without manipulation and negotiate with integrity. The Go-Giver Influencer is as much a philosophy for living as it is for conducting business with honor and ethics. It will make you rethink everything you’ve learned about negotiation and influence, and help you to be better at both.â€
—Gary Pittard, author of Why Winners Win and CEO of Pittard Real Estate Training
“Who do you want to be in the world? The Go-Giver Influencer shows us the path forward to become wiser, smarter, and more humane leaders, at a time when that’s needed more than ever.â€
—Dorie Clark, author of Entrepreneurial You and adjunct professor at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business
“A brilliant book that will help you influence and impact with the best.â€
—Robin Sharma, author of The Leader Who Had No Title and The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari
“If we are paying attention, mentors will show up (with perfect timing). Sometimes they appear as people, helping us simplify what feels complicated … ‘untying the knots.’ Sometimes these mentors are wrapped in a powerful story; they ‘mentor the multitudes.’ Bob Burg and John David Mann, you’ve done it again! Reading this book is like unwrapping a lovely gift.â€
—Dondi Scumaci, author of Designed for Success and Career Moves
“Leaders looking to improve their negotiation and communication skills will find very helpful insights in The Go-Giver Influencer.â€
—Douglas Conant, founder & CEO of ConantLeadership, chairman of Kellogg Executive Leadership Institute at Northwestern University, former CEO of Campbell Soup Company, former Chairman of Avon Products
“Burg and Mann have done it again. In an age where climbers are clamoring to become influencers, this book sums up what that really means and how to (and how not to) achieve it. Here are just three gems on replay in my head and heart right now: (1) master your emotions, don’t let your feelings fool or control you; (2) manipulation is never the way; (3) genuine influence will come when you are motivated not by gaining influence yourself but by others’ needs and want. This book is perfectly on time!â€
—Carrie Wilkerson, author of The Barefoot Executive
The Go-Giver Leader
A Little Story About What Matters Most in Business
From the acclaimed, bestselling authors of The Go-Giver, a new parable about the power of giving leadership.
“I met last week with your leaders,†Ben began. “I heard what they had to say. And you know, they make a good point.†He paused. Take charge, Ben, he told himself. Take control. He looked around the conference room. Take, take, take. Was that really what he was here to do?
With their acclaimed bestseller The Go-Giver, Bob Burg and John David Mann proved that a heartfelt parable could also express a powerful idea. In The Go-Giver Leader (originally pub lished as It’s Not About You), they offer an equally compelling tale about a struggling small business and the ambitious young executive trying to lead them to a crucial decision.
Allen & Augustine has manufactured high-quality chairs for decades. Its people take pride in their work and feel loyal to their owners and management team. But this revered company is now at a crossroads, hurt by a tough economy, foreign competition, and a cash crunch. The air is filled with the scent of uncertainty, anxiety, perhaps even panic.
Into this setting enters Ben, who’s been assigned by a larger firm to promote a merger that will rescue Allen & Augustine. Ben’s facts are undeniable: the chair maker can either merge and modernize or go bankrupt and vanish. So why can’t he persuade anyone to buy in, from the CEO on down?
Will Ben find a way to sway the employee shareholders before the climactic vote? And can Allen & Augustine survive without losing its soul? The answers may surprise you as you follow Ben on his journey to understanding that the path to genuine influence lies less in taking leadership than in giving it.
This revised and updated edition includes a new introduction, a discussion guide, and a Q&A with the authors.
Praise:
“We should all seek to practice the message illustrated so elegantly in The Go-Giver Leader—that great leaders don’t try to act like ‘leaders,’ they strive to be more human.â€
—Simon Sinek, optimist and author of Start with Why and Leaders Eat Last
“This book captures the essence of life and leadership. I recommend it!â€
—John C. Maxwell, author of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
“The Go-Giver Leader carries an important message for leaders, parents, and all other humans—that leadership, fundamentally, is about other people.â€
—Captain L. David Marquet, U.S. Navy (ret.), author of Turn the Ship Around!
“Genuine leadership is about your team, your customers, your community, and your legacy. Share this book with those you care about.â€
—Seth Godin, author of Linchpin, Tribes, and Purple Cow
“Burg and Mann have, once again, masterfully employed common sense and good judgment to show that success happens when you have an egalitarian spirit, practice Golden Rule behavior every day, and empower your people to make decisions from their hearts and souls. I LUV this book.â€
—Colleen Barrett, President Emerita of Southwest Airlines
“Burg and Mann are not just great storytellers, they are also men of heart and soul. The Go-Giver Leader gets to the heart of lasting business success.â€
—Gary Keller, author of The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results
“A manifesto for twenty-first-century leadership packaged in a fun and engaging story. Buy this book and get it in the hands of everyone in your company!â€
—Darren Hardy, publisher of SUCCESS magazine, author of The Compound Effect
“A fast read that reinforces leadership fundamentals … truly applicable to any manager, anywhere.â€
— Booklist
“Burg and Mann, authors of the best-seller The Go-Giver, have written a compelling fable that succeeds as both a thought-provoking learning tool and, rather surprisingly, as a work of fiction with an unexpected plot twist at the end.â€
— Soundview
“The Go-Giver books are love manifest in a system.â€
— Robert G. Allen, New York Times bestselling author, Multiple Streams of Income and The One Minute Millionaire
