Spheres of Influence

Thank you NetGalley and Greenleaf Audiobooks for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Brad Englert has worked in a variety of consulting and direct managing roles throughout his career in the information technology space.  That experience has led him to understand what he calls Spheres of Influence or the different types of relationships you have in your life.  From “internal spheres” like those directly above and below you in the company hierarchy to “external spheres” like those with vendors or customers, it is important to understand how to navigate these relationships to reach your goals successfully.  Englert utilizes stories from his own personal experience to provide examples of how the reader can influence their connections and understand the influence these connections have on them as well.

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I give Spheres of Influence 5 out of 5 stars.  While Englert’s experience may be in information technology, this book is an invaluable resource for those in any field.  This book felt as those I was reading the transcript of a keynote address from a management conference.  The straightforward advice on how to influence connections is similar to sales training in many large organizations, but Englert applies to more than just customers.  I was especially interested in the section on influencing your direct supervisor – I have recently read quite a few books on influencing those you manage, but looking upstream was a new view for me!

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This is a great read for anyone at any level in an organization.  I would recommend this for team “book clubs” where a manager and their direct reports read the same book for team building.  I would also recommend this to anyone looking to move up and interested in additional training or resources to prepare.

I have been looking for a book club pick to read along with my team leaders in my day job, so I was excited when I saw this available on NetGalley.  One of the biggest challenges we struggle with on our team is bringing everyone together to focus on one goal.  I am hopeful that Spheres of Influence will help us to grow as leaders and as a team!

Spheres of Influence will release March 12^th.  You can pre-order your copy today on our Bookshop.org page!

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What I’m Reading

• Current print book: Recipe for Second Chances, Ali Rosen
• Current audio book: The Blight Way, Patrick F. McManus
• Book I’m most looking forward to: The Bridges of Madison County, Robert James Waller