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Introduction

For our regular readers, this book is not about project management per se, but it is about the very underpinning of project management — INFLUENCE through communication. After all, the book itself is an interesting project. Our Author Stacey Hanke introduces her book by asking this question: "How influential are you ... really?"[1]

She goes on to say:

"If you aren't getting the results you want — as an individual, as a leader, as a professional — perhaps you're not as influential as you think you are. I realize that's a bold statement just a few sentences into a book. After all, I don't even know you.

But what if I am right?"

Stacey then provides a case in point and concludes that most people believe they are more influential than they actually are. Collectively, they have a misperception of what influence is and an outdated, inadequate understanding of what it means to be influential.[2] She suggests that as a consequence of modern technology,[3] the people you are trying to influence are typically not paying attention to you. If you don't have their attention, you can't influence them!

Stacey provides her interpretation of "Influence" as follows:[4]

• "Monday to Monday — consistent actions all the time, in all situations, that are congruent with your purpose and priorities
• Moving people to action long after the interaction is over
• Creating a stand out experience that separates you from the crowd
• Built on verbal and nonverbal communication
• Measures not by how you felt but by the results you consistently achieve
• A skill that can be developed by anyone through feedback, practice and accountability."

Like so many others, this is the sort of soft skill that we all wish we had been exposed to early on in our professional careers. In this case, the objective of Stacey's book is to encourage the reader to climb the ladder of Self-awareness to Influence through a cycle of: Practice, Accountability and Feedback. What a difference this can make to aspiring project managers and their team players! As Stacey says: "My purpose with this book is to ... share a proven, step by step method for how to get there.[5]

About the author

Stacey Hanke's passion is teaching others how to communicate with influence Monday to Monday[6]. As a keynote speaker and mentor to C-suite executives, she helps individuals see through the eyes and ears of their audiences. She claims the result is career-changing insights. Stacey has authored articles for BusinessWeek.com and is the co-author of Yes You Can! Everything You Need from A to Z to Influence Others to Take Action. Stacey attributes her drive and Monday to Monday work ethic to the lessons she learned from her parents, lifelong Midwestern dairy farmers. Stacey can be reached at: stacey@staceyhankeinc.com.

Book Structure

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