The Power of Your Influence: 11 Ways to Make a Difference in Your World

by Stan Toler

Unlock Your Power to Create Positive Change The power of influence in our world is undervalued and often ignored. But if you want to make a real change in the lives of others, it will be your everyday influence that draws people in and excites their potential. Stan Toler examines the ways you can profoundly change your own life and the world we live in. You will learn how to Your words, actions, and attitudes hold the power to build up or tear down. Make a positive, lasting impression that will add value to those around you, encourage people to follow your lead, and inspire others to greatness.

176 pages, Paperback

Published April 3, 2018

About the author

Stan Toler is senior pastor of Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and hosts the television program, "Leadership Today." He conducts seminars throughout the U.S. as the Model Church Instructor for INJOY Ministries, a leadership development institute for pastors. He has written over 30 books and is co-author of The Year Round Church Event Book.

Reviews

[Ell · Rating 5 out of 5]

In many ways, this is a fascinating read. It is fascinating because the author makes some compelling points; fascinating because the term “influence” is slightly reframed, allowing the reader to understand its impact on a much deeper level. Influence is the subtle effect you have on yourself and others through your words, actions and attitudes. We are influencing ourselves and others in some fashion each and every day, whether we realize it or not. Why not make sure that influence is positive and work for us, rather than passively accept the way we are perceived? The Power of Your Influence: 11 Ways to Make a Difference in Your World outlines several key concepts to exert positive influence on yourself, others and the greater world around you. A chapter is devoted to each of the key concepts, followed by three critical questions for personal reflection to help the reader actively engage in improving their own influencing skills. This book is for everyone and certainly worth the read. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my rating. I have provided an unbiased and honest review.

[Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read, received free through NetGalley, which has no influence on my review.
I love the action items at the end of each chapter. They make you reflect on what was just discussed and it's application to your own life here and now. There is only 3 at the end of each chapter so take the time and really do them.
As with any other self-help book I think you find things that "speak" to you and either find them useful or not. This one was in between for me. My 2018 quest to read self-help books has just started, but I can already tell that this one probably will not be a favorite. I absolutely gleaned some useful points and helpful take-aways, but not as often as I had hoped.
I also found the book somewhat confusing on the religious side. It certainly was not overly religious, which some are... and that's great if you gain inspiration from belief in a higher power, but there was enough scripture references to make me a bit uncomfortable or confused. I have read my share of religious self-help books and do find them useful and informative, but when I pick one up I know that's what I will be reading. This one popped in a bible verse or reference here and there, but otherwise stayed pretty neutral and non-religious. It just felt "off" to me. Commit to inspiration using the Bible, or don't, but don't dabble in just enough to confuse people or put them off if that isn't the sort of book they intended to read.

[Chantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book of the year!
This book opened my eyes to living a better and healthier lifestyle.

It made me sit up and look to those that I admire, those that influence me and work towards making myself a better role model to those that look up to me, because I am able to influence others. It made me reevaluate the important aspects of my life and to do better.

My suggestion for where to read this book, is to read it right where you are, right now.

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

An uninspired rehash of the Christian concepts massaged well to fit the 20th century and not so well the 21st.