Lift: Becoming a Positive Force in Any Situation

by Ryan W. Quinn, Robert E Quinn

Harness the Science of Positive Influence We all want to have a positive impact, but often, despite our best intentions, we're tripped up by subtle psychological states we're not even aware of. It doesn't have to be that way. In ""Lift,"" Ryan and Robert Quinn combine cutting-edge social science and real-world examples to describe four mindsets that will help you become aware of the unconscious ways you're holding yourself and others back. They offer tested, practical guidelines and practices for exerting positive influence in any situation. The Quinns go beyond mere tactics--if you take the lessons in ""Lift"" to heart, you will not simply wield positive influence, you will by your very nature become a positive influence.

Genres: Leadership, Self Help, Nonfiction, Management

264 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Merrick]

Just as Jim Collins said, “Good is the enemy of great,” Ryan and Robert Quinn claim that those who surrender to our normal everyday state is the acceptance of mediocrity in our lives. The opposite of this state is what the authors call, “Lift.” When in this state, individuals possess a positive mindset that leads to greater fulfillment in all aspects of their lives.

Ryan and Robert Quinn employ scientific data and real-world examples to show readers how to transcend the normal state. Individuals can engage a state of lift by being purpose-centered (rather than driven by comfort), internally directed (driven by values and ideals, not circumstances), other-focused (showing empathy, not indifference), and externally open to feedback (rather than be locked into existing patterns and old ways of doing things).

One study shared by the authors revealed that up to 95% of our day is driven by unconscious habitual reflexes. In my own work as a consultant for major corporations, I often discuss the power of co-creating culture rather than being a passive recipient of culture. Lift shines a light on the power of consciously creating one’s life in accordance with their values and aspirations, rather than simply allowing one’s life to happen.

[Chris]

In the book Lift, Quinn and Quinn endeavored to convince readers that individuals can become positive forces in any situation by reflecting on four questions before acting. If you identify your desired results and guiding values, reflect upon them, empathically consider the perspective of others, and collaboratively devise strategies to accomplish desired outcomes, which align with your core values, there is a greater likelihood for progress. You must consider all four, not a subset of the questions.

The Four questions are:
L = Legacy….What results do I want to create?
I = If….What would my story be if I were living the values I expect of others?
F = Feelings...How do others feel about this situation?
T = Tactics… What strategies could I use to accomplish my purpose?

The authors propose that by consistently using the questions individuals can be a positive influence on self and others.

I recommend this book for those who are interested in a deeper appreciation of how the four questions work.

[Ralf Kruse]

I really like on how this book take the flight metaphor and works through various areas needed to be a positive force to create a differente.
It touches multiple models I highly appreciate and gave it another and integrated perspective.
Put the purpose on what we want to achieve -> Start with why
Acting consistent to our values -> responsibility process
Being open to others -> How to win friends and influence people, Thanks for the feedback and crucial conversations
Being externally open -> Growth mindset
The integrated perspective of the book helped me to reflect and get new insights on all this models.
I can highly recommend the book

[Troy Oldham]

This book was chosen as the book of the year/required reading at the Huntsman School of Business at USU. The analogies to flight are very helpful and I've learned more about the Wright Brothers than I 'thought' I knew.

Great examples and ideas on how to live a life with a focus on how to lift others, to be focused on how other people feel and how to organize communication to inspire others and help yourself be a positive force.

A good companion guide book, (read at the same time), was 'Tipping Point' and the Power of Full Engagement.

[Tia]

This book has some solid principles and really great action ideas that are grounded in good research. That being said, it read too much like a textbook for my taste. There was a lot of time spent explaining the scientific studies that support the principles. I see the value in that. I also don't find it very motivational for me personally to get excited about jumping into action.

[Ronda]

Very good presentation of four key ideas. You can become a positive force by 1. Becoming purpose centered 2. Becoming internally directed 3. Becoming other focused 4. Becoming externally open. Lots of examples are given. While most of us would find we do some of these often, I find myself not reflecting on where I am on these dimensions as much as would be ideal.

Disclaimer: This was required reading at work for our fall start up meeting. I do know and have high admiration for the coauthor Robert Quinn. His son Ryan, the first author is relatively young (30s) and some of his examples are somewhat youthful.

[Maggie]

I enjoyed reading this book--I believe it is one of the most inspiring and motivational books I have read. The book focused on the four questions we should ask ourselves during any situation we face. The questions guide us to a place where we are purpose-centered, internally-directed, other-focused, and externally-open. It is in this place that we are able to positively influence the situations we are in.

The authors' writing is engaging, challenges the reader, and is full of many stories and examples. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in becoming a positive force in any situation by "lifting" the people in their lives.

[Carol Mosman]

This was required reading for the Huntsman School of Business at USU. I read it because I am employed at USU.
It gave me many great thoughts and ideas about being a positive force not matter where I go. There is lots to consider and think about and act upon.

[Megan Martin]

It's a life-changer. Justin and I have a different way of talking to each other and to our kids after reading this book. Which is a big deal, because sometimes it's hard to be conscious of how you're communicating, but this book REALLY changed our perspective. Read it.

[Curt]

A good framework for doing exactly as the title says, along with scientific evidence that it works, and that it matters.

[Elizabeth Housewright]

More a solid article than a book, a little too self-congratulatory for me, but central premise seems solid.

[Sarah]

An inspiration simply written. Sometimes overly simplistic or idealized but well worth the read!

[Jdow]

Some great concepts in the books, but there was a lot of fluff.

[Heinrich Souza]

Imported from my LinkedIn Reading List via Shelfari.