REVIEW: "Life Hacks of Influential People: 50 Ways to Become a Leader" by Stephen Pearce

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

I present to your attention a review of the book about who in the modern world can be considered an influential person and become as such.

Usually the phrase "influential person" means "a person endowed with power and money." But the author of this book, Steven Pearce, believes that a truly influential person is a professional and a leader who is confident and whose actions command respect. I agree with Pierce's position, since you can have influence not only on a global scale (the world of big politics and business), but also, for example, in your team, your backyard, your family.

50 chapters - 50 life hacks

The book consists of 50 sections, each of which has one life hack … Frankly, in this context, the word "life hack" somewhat hurts my ear. Rather, these are recommendations, tips, ways. So, the book contains 50 ways to improve the skill of influencing people and circumstances. Influence is precisely a skill. Leaders are not born, they are made.

What do you know

Nowadays, not only knowledge is appreciated, but also the ability to generate ideas based on them. If you can offer your company a non-standard solution, your weight in it will increase significantly. If you find a promising business niche, you will be the most influential player in it.

The first round of advice from Peirce is aimed at teaching the reader how to generate ideas. Recommendations are not new, but repetition is known to be the mother of learning.

Who do you know

The next block of tips is devoted to networking. The ability to listen and hear people, to unite them around you, and also to be useful to them is one of the most important components of influence.

It is important to note that we are not talking about manipulation or consumer attitude towards people (I communicate only with those who are useful). Pierce talks about the basic principles of business communication: how to correctly build up connections, how to gain respect among colleagues and friends, the rules of coordination and subordination, and so on.

What are you doing

We are so accustomed to feeling deceived that when we get something of value in addition - just like that! - it makes a huge impression. Distinguishing is one of the main keys to influence. If you offer value that exceeds expectations, it will certainly set you apart from your peers and competitors.

In short, the recommendations in this part of the book boil down to the following rule: be the best of the best. Like Roger Federer in tennis, like Hitchcock in horror films, like Ford in mechanical engineering. Work hard, work hard, work well, and you yourself will not notice how people will begin to listen and reach out to you.

Who you are

This is my favorite part of the book. It is dedicated to self-development and self-presentation. The author tells how to identify and highlight your strengths, how to make the right first impression, how to become the person people want to follow.

I do not strive to be attractive to people. My job is to make them get better. Steve Jobs

How do you follow the rules

In conclusion, Stephen Pearce teaches some of the "political game" techniques, such as the ability to negotiate, maintain a distance, control the process, and so on.

Pros and cons of the book

The book is definitely not boring. Easy to read and write. There are many examples and quotes of prominent personalities. Interesting structure and layout. A worthy work in the genre of social psychology.

My personal assessment of the book "Life Hacks of Influential People" by Stephen Pearce - 7 out of 10.

Confused by some protracted narration. Taking into account the fact that some of the tips written on dozens of pages were known to me, at times it became boring.

In general, the book will be useful for executives, managers, as well as those who dream of career growth.