POSITIVE INFLUENCE: THE FIRST AND LAST MILE OF LEADERSHIP

'Positive Influence recognizes human connection as a universal and enduring need. In an evolving world facing crises of disconnection where loneliness, division, and polarization have become commonplace, Tsun-yan Hsieh and Huijin Kong offer a substantive, go-to guide to build a personal craft for nurturing human connection.'

We are a society shaped by influence. From Dale Carnegie's seminal book How to Win Friends and Influence Others (1936) to social media 'Influencers' affecting thoughts and behaviors, influence has permeated society, business and our lives. Like it or not, we are all influencing or being influenced by one another every day.

However, we are getting more disconnected in our lives even as we get more digitally wired. This book is a bold attempt to reconnect us to our humanity and to each other by a type of influence the authors call +Influence (Positive Influence). In essence, +Influence effectuates mutually beneficial outcomes. With it, you can do well for yourself and do good to others.

New York Times bestselling author and renowned leadership guru Tsun-yan Hsieh, together with his LinHart partner Huijin Kong, co-creator of high-impact programs, dive deep into how to master +Influence, an essential 'soft skill' of our times. Combining decades of experience from shopfloors to boardrooms, both in the West and the East, the authors have distilled the principles of '+Influence' to a repertoire of mindsets, habits and skills. Richly illustrated with real-life examples, this book will help you achieve an elevated level of empathy for where others are coming from, and better equip you to find mutually beneficial paths out of conflicts while promoting alignment around the goals that matter. Whether you are a CEO or professional, Positive Influence: The First and Last Mile of Leadership will inspire you to hone +Influence into a craft over time that will propel your career and personal relationships, with more of your humanity gaining greater expressions in every moment of influence.

Contents:

• Prologue
• Key Terms and Definitions
• Overview of Chapters & Suggested Itineraries
• Fundamentals of Influence:
  • +Influence in the Context of Interactions
  • What Makes a Good +Influence
  • Just How Good Are You at +Influence?
  • Why All of Us Can Be Better at +Influencing
  • +Influencing Against All Odds
• Transform Your +Influencing Effectiveness:
  • The Basics of +Influence
  • +Influencing in the Moment
  • Habits to Raise Proficiency in +Influencing
  • Aligning Our Being to +Influence
  • +Influencing Through the Written Media
• Becoming Your Better Self Through +Influence:
  • From +Influence to Development
  • How Others Can Help You Develop
  • From +Influence to Leadership
  • Shop Floors, Boardrooms, and the Great Cultural Divide
  • Conduct, Craft, and Character
• Epilogue
• Mapping of +Influence Personal Stories
• Mapping of Cases
• Endnotes
• Acknowledgements
• About the Authors
• Index

Readership: This is a book for both senior leaders and upwardly mobile professionals of all ages, including students at the undergrad and MBA level (re-)entering the workplace.

'Positive Influence recognizes human connection as a universal and enduring need. In an evolving world facing crises of disconnection where loneliness, division, and polarization have become commonplace, Tsun-yan Hsieh and Huijin Kong offer a substantive, go-to guide to build a personal craft for nurturing human connection.' - Laxman NarasimhanCEO, Starbucks

'Influence is a critical ingredient for the ultimate impact of any innovation. Positive Influence is a must-read for all professionals thirsty to have more traction for their ideas and technical contributions. Highly recommended.' - Victor DzauPresident, United States National Academy of MedicineJames B Duke Professor of Medicine, Duke University, USA

'A superb guide on how to positively influence for those with the courage to fight for what matters. Tsun-yan and Huijin's new book is an informative, insightful and practical primer on how to assess and improve your ability to positively influence organizations small and large — an essential skill for leaders in every occupation.' - J Craig NixonBrigadier General (US Army, Retired), Former Commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment

'Our communities — and arguably the world itself — have never had more need of the power of positive energy, thinking and action. Tsun-yan and Huijin's book +Positive Influence decodes brilliantly how leaders can drive positive influence and outcomes as a starting point to making business and the world a better place.' - Jamie WhealAuthor of the global bestseller Stealing Fire

'Tsun-yan and Huijin highlight the essential combination between focusing on facts and KPIs to drive performance and at the same time the need for an emotional connection between leaders and their organization in order to be truly influential. This is a highly sophisticated approach to a very complex problem all leaders have to solve at one stage of their career. This book gives examples from long-standing experience on how positive influence can be achieved. A worthwhile read for everyone.' - Roland KruegerCEO, Dyson

'Prof. Hsieh is a world-renowned advisor to many business leaders. This book stock-takes his thinking on inspiring and positive leadership. Both practicing and aspiring business leaders would be inspired by the book.' - Bernard YeungStephen Riady Distinguished Professor and Former Dean, NUS Business School, Singapore

'Tsun-yan is the deepest and most complete thinker on the subject of leadership and personal mastery that I know. This book brings together all his wisdom in one place and is a treasure trove for anyone looking to master the art and science of leadership. It combines theory and practice, and not only explains but coaches and directs the learner. If young people today can absorb and practice even part of it in their professional lives, they will stand apart in their organizations and win deep respect as leaders. For students to CEOs, this book is a masterclass in leadership, from the master himself.' - Pramath Raj SinhaFounding Dean, Indian School of Business, India

'Positive Influence will help you encourage, uplift, and lead other people to a better future from any position in life. Let these practical tools and proven techniques guide you to discover your best qualities and motivate you to do good, do well, and love getting it done.' - Ron KauffmanNew York Times Bestselling author of Uplifting Service

'The trajectory of all successful leaders hinges on their ability to influence a few stakeholders to do the right, often difficult things to benefit many. Tsun-yan is a master of the craft of such influencing because of his vast experience and his guru-like wisdom. Above all, he influences from his deeply spiritual character. This book trumps all works I know in this genre, taking it beyond techniques and principles to guide us in shaping our personal approach to influencing.' - Sunil MittalFounder and Chairman, Bharti Enterprises and Bharti Airtel

'As leaders, we often focus on the 'what' and neglect the 'who'. Getting the 'right answer' is not sufficient, we need to influence the 'right people' to do the 'right answer'. Tsun-yan and Huijin have devoted their professional careers to helping people to be better leaders; their extensive global, hands-on experiences would help no matter where you are in the world.' - Jessica TanCo-CEO, Ping-An (China) and Chairman, Ping-An Technology

'Tsun-yan is a consulting legend, and I have learned even more from reading this book than from watching him in action. As a coach, mentor, advisor, or leader within your organization, you need to exert positive influence. Here is a practical guide to mastering this rare skill, which requires both cool rationality and a genuine connection with emotions. Hsieh and Kong bring their method to life with a rich library of case studies, presenting real-life leadership dilemmas that are rarely discussed but that any businessperson will recognize. An invaluable tool for those of us who teach influencing skills, and a great read for anyone who aspires to make a positive difference.' - Olivier SibonyProfessor, HEC Paris and New York Times Bestselling co-author of Noise

'Tsun-yan and Huijin's new book is a powerful guide for anyone seeking to influence others in a positive way. Through compelling real-life stories and practical advice, they show how empathy and understanding can be powerful tools for achieving meaningful change.' - Michael KatchenFounder and CEO, Wealth Simple

'If you care about growing your business sustainably and make a real difference in the circular economy, Positive Influence is a book you must read to learn about getting outcomes that benefit everyone in a more sustainable future.' - Susan ChongFounder and Chairman, GreenPac

'This book should be of interest to people beyond the world of business. The book is about leadership and the qualities of heart and mind which a good leader should possess.' - Tommy KohAmbassador-At-Large, Singapore and Professor, National University of Singapore

'Positive Influence is a living testament to the power of action inquiry and adult development, how we can all transform ourselves to face life with greater courage, compassion and equanimity.' - Bill TorbertProfessor Emeritus, Carroll School of Management, Boston College

Key Features:

• A practical guide one can use to ace key influence moments
• Covers a broad set of contexts, countries, and challenges
• Uses real-life examples to illustrate how situations may be analyzed and various influence techniques may be applied