Influencing W/Integrity

I just bought a fresh copy of this book, which I first bought about twenty years ago, and have finally lent it out one too many times. It is still the very best book I've seen that applies NLP to the business environment specifically. Along with excellent explanations of how people communicate effectively through all their senses, it also has simple but effective exercises that hardwire the skills for that directly into your brain. If you take the small amount of time to actually do them, rather than simply read about them, you will find that you quickly reach unconsious competence in motivating, convincing, negotiating, and spotting differences in both yourself and others. I would particularly recommend it for people who are moving into management positions (or expect to) from more technical fields, such as engineering. Being able to not only spot, but to actually implement the nuts and bolts of the human interface is invaluable in any area where different competencies must come together for a successful business or project result. When I first read it, I thought that the rather bizarre and child-like illustrations were out of place for a serious business book. What I found though, was a method to the apparent madness. Even today, twenty or so years later, I am easily able to recall them in my mind's eye, as they are completely unique and unlike any other graphs or charts I've ever run across. They are much more like mind-maps than conventional charts, and the stylistic line drawings lend themselves well to cueing details, which are usually forgotten quickly in conventional visual aids. Whether you love learning, or find it a bit of a chore, you will be impressed at how quickly this stuff flows back out into your natural behaviors, if you do the exercises. Imagine communicating and negotiating easily with even the most intractable people, as easily as you get in your car and drive to work. Not having to "remember" to put it into practice, means that all your interactions will go much smoother with everyone, from spouse, to kid, to people you work with, and people you work for. Won't it be nice when your first instinct is to create a Win-Win situation that everyone involved with, will support and actively work toward? How satisfied are you as an old happy retired Grandparent, when you look back at all the success, wealth and happiness you've created for yourself and others throughout your long life, looking back on it someday? Can you feel that satisfaction? Can you hear that harmony? I thought so! ;o)

I first read this outstanding book when it was first published in 1984. I am still recommending it to my patients and students 23 years later. Laborde takes a complex subject and breaks it down into easy to digest bits that you can begin using in your daily life almost immediately. If you want to enhance your communication skills with your companions, your family, your boss, your employees, or your customers this is the book to get. Be aware that this is not New Age mystical book. Rather it is a down-to-earth foundation for establishing mutual benefit between you and the people you interact with daily. I have introduced this book to other therapists, university professors, policemen, housewives and personal trainers. They have all raved about their increased capacity to get their message across and to understand their communication partners better.

Having been a psychotherapist for over fifteen years and having struggled understanding sooooo many books on Neuro-Linguistic Programing, Dr. Laborde's book is a breath of fresh air. The topics are clear, powerful and practical in understanding and applying elements of NLP in improving communication. I can't believe the book has apparently been in and out of print as I consider it a "Classic".

One of the best things about this book is that, as the title suggests, it effectively answers that old chestnut about NLP being manipulative. Genie has simplified the Meta Model down to five types of "Pointers" which you can anchor to your fingers so you can remember them easily! She also has useful exercises for developing sensory acuity.As a UK NLP trainer I can wholeheartedly recommend this very clear, readable and useful book which anyone in business, or in fact anyone, will benefit from. Of course, being an NLP book, it's "enlivened" by a lot of crap illustrations, but don't let that put you off.

Ms. Laborde carefully and sensitively outlines several aspects of communication patterns and possibilities. I've been helped tremendously by her book, and am frankly a little surprised that she hasn't become more well known and sought after. The book is deceptively simple, while being incredible profound. I eagerly await her next book.