Review of Individual Influence

[Theresa Moffitt]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Individual Influence" by Brian Smith and Mary Smith.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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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.

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Individual Influence
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[ThankGod Onyishi]

I like the way the book is written, as I have read from your review. I also love the fact that this book is educative. I look forward to reading it!

[Oluoma Chukwu]

Even though there is no individual or I in a team, however, for a team to come together and achieve anything, it must comprise of different people and individuals who come together to work as one. This is an amazing review.

[Yasmine ZM]

It is time to look at 'team as a group of many individuals'...there is an "I" in teams. I like how the author is encouraging the individuals to improve themselves to be able to benefit the team. I enjoyed reading the review, thank you.

[Bri Denzel]

A book that teaches the individual how to impact a larger will be a great resources for intending leaders all over the world.

[tortle0o0]

This sounds like an excellent book to help individuals and groups develop strong goals that are attainable. Understanding that you as an individual are an important part of a team and that you need to be a stong member in your own right is a topic that most teambuilding books seem to miss the mark on.

[Bisola Adeleke]

I agree with the fact that there are several individuals which makes up a team. Congratulations to the author on BOTD.

[Yvonne Monique]

As manager of a team, this book might be very useful to me and provide interesting points of view.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

This is an educational non-fiction guide book highlighting introspection, and examining the individual and the impact of the individual in larger groups. The book has a free sample on Amazon Kindle and has an inciteful OnlineBookClub review. Congrats on the BOTD selection.

[Reema Aydieh]

It sounds like an interesting and informative book. It’s true that in order to thrive in a team each individual has to know what their goal is.

[Tars]

Way too complicated idea in this book, simply reading the review about it left my mind spinning and me confused to the extreme. Possibly it is just not my forte as a loner, I prefer to work alone at my own pace and be the only one responsible for the results. Still, I would like to congratulate the author on BOTD!

[rusyalana]

Self-help books are not my cup of tea but I've read the review and the book sounds very interesting and motivational. I think the advice the authors suggest in their book are very useful especially the ones that teach you how to be your best self and radiate influence from you and how to develop the goals. Congratulations on becoming BOTD!

[Shavell Harris]

This review made me realize that a team is as strong as the individuals that makes up the team. While there is no I in the word team, there are individuals and in order to effectively contribute to a team you must first focus on personal development. Great review, I look forward to reading this book.

[Kirsi Cultrera]

I kind of like the ideas this book introduces. Teams are always a result of a group of individuals. We also should not forget that there are at least two dimensions in this; any team is as weak as it's weakest member. I am not much into self-help books and such, but this certainly sounds interesting. Besides, I love examining human behavior. Thank you for the lovely review!

[Faisal Kurfi]

This book is coming at the right time, just as the year is ending. I need to read its content as I start to prepare for 2023. Well done for this great review.