As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” We think the same is true when it comes to raising a book. Accordingly there are many people who deserve our acknowledgment and gratitude.
As a team of authors who study both the science and practice of influence and persuasion we feel incredibly lucky to live in a village populated with so many dedicated and smart researchers who work tirelessly to advance the knowledge of the persuasion process and the lessons it can teach us. We would like to thank every one of these researchers, especially those whose work and insights we have drawn from in this book.
Additionally we would like to extend our thanks to Keith Anderson, Suraj Bassi, Rupert Dunbar-Rees, Paul Dolan, Bernie Goldstein, and James Nicholls, all of whom have influenced the work here.
While we were writing we were fortunate to have access to a group of folks willing to read early drafts of the chapters and suggest ideas for practically applying the insights contained within them. Thanks are due to Rob Blackie, Natalie Britt, Sean Buckland, Eilidh Connolly, Emma Rose Hurst, Benjamin Kaube, Gregor McPherson, Steve Mound, John Vincent, and James West.
We also wish to thank everyone in the US and UK offices of INFLUENCE AT WORK including Eily VanderMeer and Sarah Tobitt as well as everyone at our publishers, Business Plus/Grand Central Publishing in New York and Profile Books in London. Special thanks are due to our editors, Rick Wolff and Daniel Crewe, whose support, encouragement, and insights have been invaluable to us.
Three people in particular deserve to be singled out for special thanks. Danica Giles worked tirelessly as our researcher, checking and rechecking facts. Thank you for your support and help, Danica. You have been a Star!
From the outset our agent, Jim Levine, at Levine Greenberg, has been a joy to work with. Jim, you and your team are the epitome of what a partnership is all about. Thank you so much.
And to Bobette Gorden, whose insight, boundless energy, and drive make her the unsung hero of this book.
Finally we would like to thank our loved ones and families for their support and love.