The Go-Giver

⭐⭐⭐☆/5

From the bestselling authors of The Go-Giver, Go-Givers Sell More, and The Go-Giver Leader comes another compelling parable about the paradox of getting ahead by placing other people's interests first.

The Go-Giver Influencer is a story about two young, ambitious businesspeople: Gillian Waters, the chief buyer for Smith & Banks, a midsized company that operates a national chain of pet accessory stores; and Jackson Hill, the founder of Angels Clothed in Fur, a small but growing manufacturer of all-natural pet foods. 

Each has something the other wants. To Jackson, Smith & Banks represents the possibility of reaching more animals with his products--if he can negotiate terms and conditions that will protect his company's integrity. To Gillian, Angels Clothed in Fur could give her company a distinctive, uniquely high-quality line that will help them stand out from their competitors--if Angels Clothed in Fur can be persuaded to give them an exclusive.

At first, the negotiations are adversarial and frustrating. Then, coincidentally, Gillian and Jackson each encounter a mysterious yet kindly mentor. Over the next week, while neither one realizes the other is doing the same, both Gillian and Jackson learn the heart of both mentors' philosophies: The Five Secrets of Genuine Influence.

The story ends in a way that surprises everyone--and with lessons we can all apply in our efforts to resolve conflicts and influence others.

The Go-Giver Influencer by Bob Burg is one of many in his series on the same topic.  He focuses on the premise that in work and in life you'll prosper more when you focus on the giving rather than on the getting.  Hence the go-giver rather than the go-getter.  The giver is about others.  It's about giving to create a bond.  Giving to create an energy of generosity and kinship.

I provided this book as an assignment to my six leaders in January for a follow up meeting in February where we will discuss.  That meeting is this coming week.  So as I read this book over the course of two days I captured many practices that are truly just reminders.  How to we live happy, fulfilled, successful lives and still feel whole at the end of the day?  By giving.  Large and small.  Start small.

The story provides both sides of a negotiation with both key individuals receiving daily coaching to bring the conversation together, rather than win.  It takes practice, patience and a desire to do things differently.  As with Burg's previous books the story is a great example for the lesson and truly hits home.