The Art of Influence Book Summary - The Art of Influence Book explained in key points
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The Art of Influence summary

Chris Widener

Persuading Others Begins With You

4.4 (488 ratings)
16 mins

Brief summary

The Art of Influence by Chris Widener teaches us how to master the art of persuasion and leadership. It offers practical insights and principles for developing influential skills to inspire and positively impact others.

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    The Art of Influence
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    Why influence matters

    Heart pounding with excitement, Marcus Drake made the call. To his surprise, the flamboyant billionaire promised to pick him up from the local airport and fly him to New York. At the arranged time, Bobby Gold arrived in his private luxury jet. He gave Marcus a tour of the plane, then got down to business.

    Bobby started by asking questions. What makes a person stand out, especially when they have the same education or skills as their peers? And how can they distinguish themselves if they already work as hard as possible? Having stirred Marcus’s curiosity, the billionaire revealed the secret.

    Mastering influence is crucial for success, both in business and in life generally. It’s the art of personal growth, not just persuasion. When you persuade, you’re making an argument for why people should follow you. But your aim should be to become someone people are attracted to. Mere hard work is insufficient. You must focus daily on managing perceptions by being your authentic self.

    Bobby explained that shaping yourself into an admirable person who inspires trust is essential for influence, because people want to deal with someone they can rely on. And so, with the foundation for success laid, Bobby moved to his next principle.

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    Key ideas in The Art of Influence

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    What is The Art of Influence about?

    The Art of Influence (2008) delivers timeless principles for becoming an influential person of admirable character and skills who leads through service. It outlines how pursuing excellence will transform anyone into a leader others naturally respect, engage, and follow.

    The Art of Influence Review

    The Art of Influence (1999) by Chris Widener is a book that explores the power of influence and provides valuable insights into becoming more persuasive. Here are three reasons why this book is definitely worth reading:

    • With its practical strategies and techniques, it equips readers with the necessary tools to effectively persuade and influence others.
    • Through real-life examples and case studies, the book illustrates how influential people have successfully used their skills to achieve their goals.
    • Filled with actionable advice, the book offers concrete steps that readers can implement immediately to improve their influence and communication skills.

    Who should read The Art of Influence?

    • Aspiring leaders seeking to ethically inspire others
    • Sales professionals wanting to build trust and likability
    • Anyone desiring more positive impact and credibility

    About the Author

    Chris Widener is an acclaimed speaker and leadership coach who has advised politicians, professional athletes, and business executives from GE, Microsoft, and Harvard Business School. He collaborated with coaching legend Jim Rohn, with whom he co-authored Twelve Pillars. His other prominent books include The Angel Inside, The Leadership Rules, and Above All Else.

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    The Art of Influence FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Art of Influence?

    The main message of The Art of Influence is that influence is a skill that can be learned and mastered.

    How long does it take to read The Art of Influence?

    The reading time for The Art of Influence varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Art of Influence a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Art of Influence is a worthwhile read as it provides valuable insights and practical strategies for becoming more influential.

    Who is the author of The Art of Influence?

    The author of The Art of Influence is Chris Widener.

    What to read after The Art of Influence?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Art of Influence, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Finding Clarity by Marc Lesser
    • Pillars of Wealth by David M. Greene
    • How to Know a Person by David Brooks
    • The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz & Janet Mills
    • How Highly Effective People Speak by Peter Andrei
    • Million Dollar Habits by Brian Tracy
    • The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
    • How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
    • The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene
    • The First Minute by Chris Fenning