Customer Reviews

The POWER PRINCIPLE: INFLUENCE WITH HONOR

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The power principle is an outstanding book for those who want to influence others in a positive way. The three forms of power: Coercive, Utility; and Principle-Centered seem to be ways in which people tend to interact with each other. I loved the story about Oliver who showed how powerlessness can still be powerful; it was a moving moment. Emily Carr mentions "I don't think you can explain growth. it is silent, it is subtle. You don't keep digging up a plant to see how it is growing " Page 124. There are many examples of how people learn through adversity; the drama teacher who believed in that deaf boy so much that he managed to complete the play with success was a pleasant experience to read about. The book has a positive integrity which comes across with so much compassion being shown in many areas which one can relate to; moreover there are some poems which bring a new light on some areas. It is great book with plenty of stories and examples which are moving; furthermore I enjoyed reading the glorious beauty of love in the chapters. The mother who told her son not show his true feelings ever; and the son believed her hardly did which affected him in his life; however before she died she told him that she was wrong; and that he should show his feelings seemed to make me wonder about advice. If you want to influence with honor this book will give insights to help a person improve or enlighten. " We are here but a short time. Whatever our role - leader, parent, teacher, salesperson, friend, family member, CEO - we are the singers who become the choir. Are you singing? Are you teaching the song to others? You have one life to live. You live your life as you believe in living it and then it is gone and you are gone. Yet your legacy may live on in others. Your teaching and leading keeps the song alive. May the song stay on your lips long after you put this book down. " Blaine Lee Page 335.

Dr. Lee is an associate of Stephen R. Covey and vice president of Franklin Covey Company. If you appreciate Dr. Covey's books including Principle-Centered Leadership or The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, you will want this book! Blaine Lee discusses what he terms the power principle, which has the potential to significantly impact all of our relationships in and out of the workplace.

In a nutshell this power principle is defined as learning to influence with honor. Dr. Lee begins the book by discussing the relationship between power and influence. Most societies and cultures use two fundamental power strategies to influence others and achieve efficiency. The first power strategy is one of forced coercion. People do things because they are afraid not to. The person in authority has the "ability to intimidate or bully people, to do something unpleasant or uncomfortable to other people." The second option is that of a fair exchange approach. People do what they are told because of what the person in authority can do for them. They offer their services because "I will pay you if you'll do what I want. I have something to exchange for your time and effort...I've got something you want, you've got something I want. Let's make a deal." Blaine explains how these two approaches may be efficient but long-term they are not effective or productive.

The Power Principle offers a third approach to power strategy. It is predicated on a number of core principles clearly discussed by Dr. Lee. This is a different kind of power since it "suggests that the person you believe is powerful is someone others believe in, someone they honor, someone they respect." When others honor you, you have the ability to have sustained, long-term influence with them. The second 2/3rds of the book discusses why the power principle makes a difference, what they are, and how to use this strategy with your family, customers and coworkers. The final chapters deal with making a commitment to change and the power principle a lifelong quest.

This is an outstanding work and makes an excellent companion to Dr. Covey's highly respected principle-centered philosophy.

Blaine Lee is a vice-president of Franklin Covey--a consulting and empowerment company best known for "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." This book addresses those who want to increase their "power"/effectiveness as it encourages them to develop "principle-centered leadership."

Lee describes the various types of power relationships from powerlessness to agression to negotiation to (finally) principle-centered leadership. His basic premise is the the first three types of power are only useful in the short-term (if they're useful at all) but principle-centered leadership is an effective long-term type of power because people are naturally drawn to people who live a purposeful life toward a goal.

Lee's writing style is light as he makes liberal use of anecdotes, poems, and interesting quotations. These are used in varying degrees of effectiveness. In fact, I found myself more annoyed than inspired by his writing style. Furthermore, he makes the basic assumption that all people are good and just need a little encouragement to be wonderfully introspective yet warm and friendly. This seems to me to be a huge assumption and while Lee does address interpersonal difficulties associated with principle-centered leadership (chapter 13), this book would have been more useful if he spent more time developing these thoughts and less time showing how his leadership style manifests itself in various vocations.

This is not to say that Lee's theory is unworkable or fanciful. In fact, I agree with Lee's basic argument that effectiveness and leadership stem from self-definition (knowing who you are and where you're going). However, I believe that this thesis could have been developed in a more useful way.

If you are thinking about reading this book, I would recommend the "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey first as "The Power Principle" uses it as its base.

I believe the message of this book is so powerful I use it as one of the textbooks for the Classroom Management course that I teach. My students rave about it and feel that it gives them a better insight into their own issues regarding power. Many have said that the book has helped them with their relationships.

This is a must read (or listen) for leaders, coaches, trainers or anyone interested in more fully developing personal leadership and influence with others; a nice compliment to Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." Don't miss this concise yet thorough and entertaining book about developing sustained principle centered power and influence. Outstanding!

Blaine Lee Helps us to understand how although cultural forms change, the basics of personal trust remain the starting point for any relationship, whether personal or commercial. Humbly seeking the welfare of clients and customers will enhance trust and will be capacity for repeat business. Here are a few favorite quotes:
--Up until around World War I, organizations as well as people were strongly concerned with what I like to gall the character ethic." In other words, character traits such as integrity, industry, civility, cooperation, service, modesty, and honor were highly valued. Yet, particularly after the Second World War, this emphasis on character became less and less significant as cosmetic strategies began to emerge. Personality values took center stage and organizations shifted toward exterior rather than interior concerns. Appearance, public images, and attitudes became pivotal and prosperity was primarily seen through quarterly reports.
--"Uncertainty is the opportunity to make the world a better place."

"If we observe the world around us, Americans as individuals seek out risk."

The power principle is really a good book, however, it is very difficult in implementing and taking time. Examples in book are still not clear of how to live as a principled-center power. There are many inspring stories but do not clearly present what and how reader should live in the appropriate way.

Good things are all ten principles of power which I totally agree that everyone should follow, however, if the author makes it more conclusion and separate sections to make reader more understand the logic of thinking, the book will be better than it is.

By total, I will try to live in a principle-centered power life. And I love the book.

Blaine's concept of power principle is interesting but it draws too much parallel to what S.Covey's message has been and offers little new. The opening chapters dragged on previous power principles, many of which an MBA student have learnt in Management 101. The various examples drawn are trying to hard to mirror S. Covey's real life issues and the content delivery tries to mimic Covey's 7 Habits' magic. I have a very difficult finishing it even thought I am a strong Covey enthusiasts.

This book was not written for folks who are dealing with chronic illness. But every person who is dealing with a chronic illness should read it. It is so easy to fall into the victim paradigm of illness. This book will show you, you are not a victim unless you choose to be and how to cope in a positive way. Blaine Lee is an awesome teacher!

Interesting read at the beginning, but becomes rather boring and lack of solid substance towards the end. However the book contains a lot of interesting and inspiring metaphors which have saved the book from becoming a boring read.

P.