The Art of Quiet Influence: Timeless Wisdom for Leading without Authority

by Jocelyn Davis

Overview

Anyone can be a quiet influencer. But not everyone knows how.

"A tremendous and relevant read!" -Stephen M. R. Covey, New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Speed of Trust

Drawing on the enduring wisdom of the Buddha, Confucius, Rumi, Gandhi and others, The Art of Quiet Influence shows anyone, not just bosses, how to use influence without authority, a key mindfulness principle, to get things done at work and in life. Through the classic wisdom of 12 Eastern sages, relevant insights from influence research, and anecdotes and advice from 25 contemporary experts, Davis lays out a path for becoming a "mainspring," the unobtrusive yet powerful influencer first introduced in her book The Greats on Leadership.

Organized around three core influence practices - Invite Participation, Share Power, and Aid Progress - readers will learn how to take mindfulness practice "out of the gym and onto the field," while gaining the confidence and practical know-how to be influential in whatever role they occupy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781473687615
Publisher:	Quercus
Publication date:	05/07/2019
Sold by:	Hachette Digital, Inc.
Format:	eBook
Sales rank:	374,597
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Jocelyn Davis is an author, speaker and consultant with 25 years' experience in the leadership development industry. Before founding her company, Seven Learning, she was Executive Vice President, R&D for The Forum Corporation (now AchieveForum), a global consultancy that builds leadership effectiveness in the Fortune 1000. Jocelyn's The Greats on Leadership: Classic Wisdom for Modern Managers was praised by SUCCESS Magazine, and 800-CEO-Read named it their Editor's Choice in May 2016. Jocelyn grew up in a foreign-service family and has lived in many regions of the world, including Southeast Asia, East Africa, the Caribbean, and the UK. She now lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Table of Contents

Overview: Influence without Authority 1

Quiet Influence Practices and Pitfalls 19

Prologue: Twelve Sages 21

Sages at a Glance 28

Pronunciation Guide 30

Part I Participation

1 Be Humane ˜ Confucius 33

2 Applaud Anguish ˜ the Yoga Vasistha 51

3 Create Delight ˜ Zhuangzi 68

4 Practice Patience ˜ Rumi 85

Part II Power

5 Walk with the Devil ˜ the Mahabharata 103

6 Follow the Leaders ˜ Sima Qian 121

7 Fight Softly ˜ Murasaki Shikibu 139

8 Rule Yourself ˜ Mahatma Gandhi 157

Part III Progress

9 Establish Mindfulness ˜ Gautama Buddha 175

10 Tend the Soil ˜ Mencius 191

11 Be Present ˜ Zen Master Dogen 206

12 Leave Well ˜ Ibn Tufayl 221

Epilogue: The Thirteenth Sage 235

Appendixes

A Quiet Influence Tactics 239

B Q&A 247

Acknowledgments 253

Endnotes 255

Index 261

Editorial Reviews

"I found it impossible to put down this captivating and inspirational book."—Doug Kirkpatrick, author, From Hierarchy to High-Performance and Beyond Empowerment: The Age of the Self-Managed Organization

"A book for anyone who needs to lead without authority-that is, everyone!"—Rasmus Hougaard, Founder, Potential Project; author, The Mind of the Leader

"Note the stories, research, tool kit of more than 75 tactics, plus the wisdom offered by sages such as Rumi, Gandhi, and Confucius ... a sure winner."—Richard Whiteley, author, Love the Work You're With and The Corporate Shaman

"A mind-expanding yet down-to-earth guide for leaders, sales professionals, and influencers of all stripes."—Craig Wortmann, Founder and Executive Director, Kellogg Sales Institute, Kellogg School of Management; CEO, Sales Engine Inc.

"Wise, humane, and illuminating ... Packed with powerful stories and teachings."—Krishnan Venkatesh, author, Do You Know Who You Are? Reading the Buddha's Discourses

"Jocelyn Davis does a great job of demystifying Eastern philosophy and showing its relevance to today's global business world."—Karen Blal, CIPD Regional Director Asia

"Davis once again elegantly weaves diverse cultural perspectives into practical action ... Leaders cannot afford to miss this book."—Brian J. Miller, VP Talent, Development & Inclusion, Gilead Sciences

"Looks out to the East and back to the past to explore a mind-set, skill set, and 12 behaviors that are indispensable to every leader."—Gregory LeStage, Dean, McKinsey Academy at McKinsey & Co.

"Be prepared to be inspired and moved to change as I was. A must-read."—Cynthia Stuckey, Head of Sales Effectiveness Practice, Korn Ferry

"A useful and resonant guide to leading in a more conscious, inclusive, and generative way."—Court Chilton, Senior Lecturer, MIT Sloan Leadership Center

Chilton, Senior Lecturer, MIT Sloan Leadership Center

"Combining trust, respect, caring, and demand for achievement in a harmonious way, The Art of Quiet Influence powerfully influences the reader to go beyond and accomplish greater performance."—Wesley Luo, VP/COO, Honeywell Building Technologies

From the Publisher