Advocacy: Championing Ideas and Influencing Others

by John A. Daly

Overview

When a group of people gather together to generate ideas for solving a problem or achieving a goal, sometimes the best ideas are passed over. Worse, a problematic suggestion with far less likelihood of success may be selected instead. Why would a group dismiss an option that would be more effective? Leadership and communications expert John Daly has a straightforward answer: it wasn't sold to them as well. If the best idea is yours, how can you increase the chances that it gains the support of the group? In Advocacy: Championing Ideas and Influencing Others, Daly explains in full detail how to transform ideas into practice.

To be successful, leaders in every type of organization must find practical and action-oriented ways to market their ideas and achieve buy-in from the members of the group. Daly offers a comprehensive action guide that explains how to shape opinion, inspire action, and achieve results. Drawing on current research in the fields of persuasion, power relations, and behavior change, he discusses the complex factors involved in selling an idea—the context of the communication, the type of message being promoted, the nature and interests of the audience, the emotional tenor of the issues at stake, and much more. For the businessperson, politician, or any other member of a group who seeks the satisfaction of having his or her own idea take shape and become reality, this book is an essential guide.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780300167757
Publisher:	Yale University Press
Publication date:	08/30/2011
Pages:	387
Product dimensions:	6.60(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

John Daly has published more than 100 scholarly articles, produced five books, and made numerous conference presentations. He has served as editor of two academic journals and is the president of the National Communication Association, as well as the president of the Council of Communication Associations. He has been on the Board of Directors of the International Customer Service Association and the International Communication Association. Daly has worked with more than 300 companies and public agencies worldwide on topics related to communication, influence, and customer loyalty. In recent years, he has worked with corporate entities such as American Airlines, IBM, Marriott, Merck, and Merrill Lynch, as well as governmental units such as the White House, Department of the Army, Department of Interior, and many others.

Table of Contents

1 The Politics of Ideas 1

2 Communicate Your Idea with Impact 22

3 Frame Your Message 44

4 Build Your Reputation, Create a Brand 65

5 Form Alliances 89

6 Your Idea Is Only as Good as Its Story 119

7 Who's Making the Decision? 139

8 Network! 167

9 Timing Is Everything 188

10 Create Persuasive Messages 219

11 Make the Idea Matter 241

12 Make a Memorable Case 264

13 Demonstrate Confidence 287

14 Steer Meetings Your Way 303

Notes 329

Index 369

Editorial Reviews

"Daly, a distinguished communications expert, has produced an exceptional study, which is comprehensive and well documented. . . . This book is certainly a critical piece of scholarship for the business/management curriculum and a great selection for academic libraries."—J.B. Kashner, Choice

Winner of the 2012 Diamond Anniversary Book Award, as given by the National Communication Association

Selected as a Choice Outstanding Academic 2012 Title for Business Management and Labor within the Social and Behavioral Sciences category

"A clearly written, vividly illustrated discussion of 'internal advocacy'—that is, advocacy inside organizations—combining the best of traditional and contemporary research from a variety of disciplines with a host of historical and current examples from business, politics, education, and the world of non-profits and social movements. The book is wonderfully rich in examples and narratives, and leaves the reader with a hefty tool kit for successful advocacy efforts."—George Cheney, coauthor of Organizational Communication in an Age of Globalization

From the Publisher

Selected as a Choice Outstanding Academic 2012 Title forBusiness Management and Labor within the Social and Behavioral Sciences category.

Choice - Outstanding Academic Title

Winner of the 2012 Diamond Anniversary Book Award, as given by the National Communication Association.

National Communication Association - Diamond Anniversary Book Award

"A clearly written, vividly illustrated discussion of 'internal advocacy'—that is, advocacy inside organizations—combining the best of traditional and contemporary research from a variety of disciplines with a host of historical and current examples from business, politics, education, and the world of non-profits and social movements. The book is wonderfully rich in examples and narratives, and leaves the reader with a hefty tool kit for successful advocacy efforts."—George Cheney, coauthor of Organizational Communication in an Age of Globalization

George Cheney

"Daly, a distinguished communications expert, has produced an exceptional study, which is comprehensive and well documented. . . . This book is certainly a critical piece of scholarship for the business/management curriculum and a great selection for academic libraries."—J.B. Kashner, Choice

Choice - J.B. Kashner

Winner of the 2012 Diamond Anniversary Book Award, as given by the National Communication Association.

— Diamond Anniversary Book Award

National Communication Association

Daly, a distinguished communications expert, has produced an exceptional study, which is comprehensive and well documented. . . . This book is certainly a critical piece of scholarship for the business/management curriculum and a great selection for academic libraries.—J.B. Kashner, Choice

— J.B. Kashner

Choice