cover image Infectious: How to Connect Deeply and Unleash the Energetic Leader Within

Infectious: How to Connect Deeply and Unleash the Energetic Leader Within

Achim Nowak. Skyhorse/Allworth (Norton, dist.), $24.95 (192p) ISBN 978-1-58115-924-0

Performance coach Nowak (Power Speaking) is on a mission to help people connect with each other authentically and warmly in business situations, which will make them more effective and enhance their executive presence. This is especially important as we communicate more and more but “connect less and less.” Human beings use nonverbal signals to make connections, and this communication can (and should!) be taught. His method of developing excellent connection has four levels: talk, power, intent, and energy. He walks readers through the practical steps of making the small changes that will affect the dynamic of their relationships, focusing on the importance of taking risks, fighting incorrect inner beliefs, handling power differentials, and learning to engage with skill and ease. A plethora of stories from his clients make the lessons simple to grasp, and his emphasis on communicating genuinely, rather than faking comfort with others, is highly appealing. Nowak’s tone is upbeat and encouraging; his appeal to “rejoice!” in the ability to work together with others will be a welcome exhortation for readers looking to make their business or social encounters more real and more productive. (Jan.)