Social Current Book Report: Must-Read Titles on Increasing Interpersonal Influence 

Each day human and social services professionals must use their skills to build relationships, gain trust, and motivate others. From executives working to align their teams around strategic priorities to fund development staff connecting the organization’s mission to donors’ values to front-line workers authentically engaging individuals and families, staff in all roles need to be able to inspire others. 

Influence encompasses the ability to listen, build trust, frame issues in ways that connect with different audiences, and encourage cooperation toward a shared goal. Without it, even the most well-designed interventions can fall short. Being able to read a room, tailor a message, and build genuine buy-in allows professionals to turn good intentions into action. This month’s book recommendations focus on the highly crucial skill of building strategic influence through trusting relationships.  

To help expand your influence and create impactful change in your workplace, Social Current’s Knowledge and Insights Center (KIC) recommends these resources. Log in to the KIC to gain insights from: 

• Business Books Summaries: Featuring book briefs that convey key concepts in 10 pages or less 
• Learning Community Courses: Interactive, self-paced courses to develop essential skills 

Staff at Social Current Impact Partners and organizations that have achieved private, Canadian, and public COA Accreditation should log in to access these resources. KIC access can be purchased individually or as a benefit of an Impact Partnership or COA Accreditation. 

Business Book Summaries 

How to Succeed with People: Remarkably Easy Ways to Engage, Influence and Motivate Almost Anyone by Paul McGee 

This practical guide to connecting with and influencing others covers skills like holding someone’s attention when communicating, truly listening to what people are saying (verbally and nonverbally), navigating difficult conversations without escalating conflict, and showing empathy to people who are struggling. McGee frames influence as something built through attentiveness, trust, and emotional intelligence, which align well with the core competencies of the social sector. 

Access the business book summary. 

Spheres of Influence: How to Create and Nurture Authentic Business Relationships by Brad Englert 

In this book, Brad Englert offers an actionable roadmap to build influence and expand your network. He breaks down relationship dynamics into internal spheres (e.g. direct reports, leadership, and staff) and external spheres (e.g. community partners, clients, and key stakeholders). Packed with real-world examples, this guide equips readers with practical strategies to cultivate authentic, trust-based, and mutually supportive professional relationships. 

Access the business book summary. 

Read the Room: The Holistic Guide to Build and Sustain Meaningful Relationships for Life by Cavanaugh James 

In this book, Cavanaugh James argues that true fulfillment begins when we center our shared humanity. It is a compassionate and practical guide for navigating social dynamics, leading with authenticity, and practicing empathy to drive connections. Designed for anyone seeking deeper relational health across workplace, family, and community spaces, this book equips readers to build trust-based networks, tap into their inherent influence, and create lasting, positive change in their lives. 

Access the business book summary. 

Learning Community Courses 

If you prefer a more interactive format, take one of Social Current’s on-demand courses. Through these self-paced Next Big Idea Book Club courses, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the key concepts and practices for building your influence and credibility at work. 

What Debate Teaches Us About Listening to Each Other 

When was the last time you had a good argument? While some may envision a casual chat or a thought-provoking lunch, most of us avoid disputes. We’ve learned to keep quiet about certain topics. In this Next Big Idea Book Club course, author Bo Seo of Good Arguments explains the principles of formal debate and how to apply them in real life. He makes the case that disagreements can unite us if we choose debates wisely and participate well. 

Playing Well with Others 

In his book Plays Well with Others: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Relationships Is (Mostly) Wrong, Eric Barker advocates for examining data and research to understand others and form worthwhile, fulfilling connections. This Next Big Idea Book Club course breaks down seven big ideas from Barker’s book, uncovering how to better understand people, improve friendships, and leave behind loneliness. 

Knowledge and Insights Center 

Learn more about how the KIC helps social sector leaders and professionals stay informed without becoming overwhelmed. Impact Partners, COA accredited organizations, and KIC subscribers receive access to our clearinghouse library, tailored databases, and more. 

Social Current also offers training, assessments, and consulting around organizational and leadership development to help teams sharpen their strategy, embrace adaptive leadership, build inclusive teams, and more.