Esther Derby's new book - A Review

When I appear at client engagements or conferences, people will often draw me aside to ask some variation of the same question, “How do I convince my [co-worker, boss, employees, team, senior leader, friend] to [X]?” What the inquirer usually has in mind is starting some new, more appealing behavior or making a decision that will benefit the situation or stopping a behavior they think gets the wrong result. The new thing the inquirer has in mind is something they have been unable to induce their [CBETSLF] to do, thus far. My response is typically starts with some variation of “I’m not in the convincing business. It has a low payoff probability.” While true, it’s a vague and unsatisfying answer. 

Since the publication of Esther Derby’s new book, 7 Rules for Positive, Productive Change: Micro Shifts, Macro Results, I will change my response. I will say, “If you’d like this person or situation to become different than what it is, read Esther’s book. Then apply her ideas to answering your own question.” Her powerful theme of Change By Attraction is what I meant all along by “not in the convincing business” but is stated so much more positively. 

Each chapter focused on one of the seven rules provides compelling empirical examples of the rule in action. The chapters include the practical theory, ideas for resources, concise activities for applying the rule, and a set of key takeaways. All the elements offer food for thought to anyone who is serious about becoming an effective change agent in their profession, their workplace, or their community. 

If you are curious about an approach to change that actually works, this book is for you.