By Bob Burg

adversaries into alliesOn Halloween, a book was released that I predict will become a classic.

Here is the premise; that we transform relationships with people from a place of disagreement and distrust to a place of agreement and alliance.  And we can do that without force, manipulation or the like.  And – the transformation starts with us.

At the start of the introduction the author quotes the Talmud with an idea that appropriately foreshadows the whole book – “Who is Mighty?  Those who can control their own emotions and make of an enemy a friend.”

The book then provides us with a valuable model of five principles to help us create “Ultimate Influence” (which “encompasses not only the ability to move someone to action, but the manner in which you move them”).

Those five principles are outlined at the start and then illuminated with examples and short, punchy, easy to read chapters.  The Principles are:

  • Control your own emotions
  • Understand the clash of belief systems
  • Acknowledge their ego
  • Set the proper frame
  • Communicate with tact and empathy

The book is well written and conversational in style which makes the points even more clear and accessible.  In fact, reading this book makes you immediately feel like an ally of the author.  As it turns out I have the privilege of knowing the author Bob Burg.  Bob’s books have collectively sold over a million copies and their principles have helped countless businesses and individuals become more effective – me included.  I’ve recommended many of those books here, including here and here.

Bob has said this is the book he is most proud of.  I can see why.  All of us want to be more influential and our jobs require it.  This book will help you do it in a wonderful and mutually beneficial way.

I give this book the highest recommendation I can give – and I hope I’ve influenced you to get a copy and read it.

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Kevin Eikenberry is a recognized world expert on leadership development and learning and is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group, and co-founder of Claridus. He has spent over 30 years helping organizations across North America, and leaders from around the world, to become better leaders, communicators, change agents, team members and more.

He has written, co-authored or contributed to nearly 20 books, including Flexible Leadership, From Bud to Boss, The Long-Distance thee book series and Remarkable Leadership. His LinkedIn Learning courses have helped over 1 million professionals around the world become more confident and successful.

Twice he has been named by Inc.com as one of the Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World and 100 Great Leadership Speakers for Your Next Conference. The American Management Association named him a “Leaders to Watch” and he has been named four times as one of the World's Top 30 Leadership Professionals by Global Gurus. Top Sales World has named him a Top Sales & Marketing Influencer several times, and his blog and podcast are among the most influential in the leadership space.