Review of Individual Influence
Posted: 06 Sep 2022, 13:01
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Individual Influence" by Brian Smith and Mary Smith.]
Individual Influence by Dr. Brian Smith and Mary Griffin examines the individual and the impact of the individual in larger groups. Readers may be familiar with the old adage that “there is no I in team.” However, this book proposes that there are several individuals that make up a team. For this reason, the authors encourage readers to work on improving themselves as individuals. In that way, their contributions to the team become more meaningful and productive for themselves and their teams. The book introduces the concept that “i” refers to the individual and “I” refers to the team. Even though a team is made up of several individuals, they all work together towards common goals.
To focus on individual goals, the authors emphasize self-examination and self-awareness. This is essential in developing individual or group goals. The book also explains how to develop “S.M.A.R.T. goals.” For example, it is very important to develop goals that are specific. Without specific goals, individuals or groups can become distracted or fail to achieve an intended result. The authors also discuss the concept of ego and how it can hinder us from achieving our goals. When we are too focused on our outward appearance or impression, we may create contradictions in our lives between our true selves and the person we project to others. We need to reconcile the two contradictions by examining ourselves and our beliefs. According to the authors, the key to finding our true selves is to be humble and willing to face our own demons.
This book provided me with a lot to think about. It made me focus on examining myself and my goals. It is important to have goals that are realistic and attainable. The authors walk readers through the necessary steps to develop these unique goals. I think it will really help readers to discover who they are and what they want to accomplish. It is written in a straightforward and simple manner that readers will appreciate. Complex topics are covered in a relatable manner. For example, the topic of bias is covered several times in the book. As individuals, we each develop our own unique biases based on our experiences, education, gender, etc. I found the discussion enlightening because we likely aren’t even consciously aware of some of our biases. It made me examine some of my beliefs and how they may impact my contributions to groups at work or at home. I believe readers will appreciate this in-depth analysis of individual bias or judgment that may be influencing their decisions.
What I liked most about this book is the way the authors walk readers through these complex topics using examples from their life experiences. These examples provide readers with practical application of these topics which will assist them in translating the lessons to their own lives. Especially beneficial for readers are the “Key Takeaways” sections at the end of each of the topics. This highlights the lesson to be learned and will be easy for readers to refer to as needed. There was nothing that I disliked about the book.
I give this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. It is exceptionally well edited without any errors. It is also organized exceptionally well. The authors take the time to explain how the lessons can be applied in a practical manner. I recommend this book to readers interested in making positive changes to their lives, as individuals and as members of groups. They will find the advice of the authors to be enlightening and beneficial.
******
Individual Influence
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Individual Influence by Dr. Brian Smith and Mary Griffin examines the individual and the impact of the individual in larger groups. Readers may be familiar with the old adage that “there is no I in team.” However, this book proposes that there are several individuals that make up a team. For this reason, the authors encourage readers to work on improving themselves as individuals. In that way, their contributions to the team become more meaningful and productive for themselves and their teams. The book introduces the concept that “i” refers to the individual and “I” refers to the team. Even though a team is made up of several individuals, they all work together towards common goals.
To focus on individual goals, the authors emphasize self-examination and self-awareness. This is essential in developing individual or group goals. The book also explains how to develop “S.M.A.R.T. goals.” For example, it is very important to develop goals that are specific. Without specific goals, individuals or groups can become distracted or fail to achieve an intended result. The authors also discuss the concept of ego and how it can hinder us from achieving our goals. When we are too focused on our outward appearance or impression, we may create contradictions in our lives between our true selves and the person we project to others. We need to reconcile the two contradictions by examining ourselves and our beliefs. According to the authors, the key to finding our true selves is to be humble and willing to face our own demons.
This book provided me with a lot to think about. It made me focus on examining myself and my goals. It is important to have goals that are realistic and attainable. The authors walk readers through the necessary steps to develop these unique goals. I think it will really help readers to discover who they are and what they want to accomplish. It is written in a straightforward and simple manner that readers will appreciate. Complex topics are covered in a relatable manner. For example, the topic of bias is covered several times in the book. As individuals, we each develop our own unique biases based on our experiences, education, gender, etc. I found the discussion enlightening because we likely aren’t even consciously aware of some of our biases. It made me examine some of my beliefs and how they may impact my contributions to groups at work or at home. I believe readers will appreciate this in-depth analysis of individual bias or judgment that may be influencing their decisions.
What I liked most about this book is the way the authors walk readers through these complex topics using examples from their life experiences. These examples provide readers with practical application of these topics which will assist them in translating the lessons to their own lives. Especially beneficial for readers are the “Key Takeaways” sections at the end of each of the topics. This highlights the lesson to be learned and will be easy for readers to refer to as needed. There was nothing that I disliked about the book.
I give this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. It is exceptionally well edited without any errors. It is also organized exceptionally well. The authors take the time to explain how the lessons can be applied in a practical manner. I recommend this book to readers interested in making positive changes to their lives, as individuals and as members of groups. They will find the advice of the authors to be enlightening and beneficial.
******
Individual Influence
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes