National Network for Equitable Library Service

Just as the Wright Brothers combined science and practice to finally achieve the dream of flight, Ryan and Robert Quinn combine research and experience to demonstrate how we can elevate ourselves and the situations and people around us to greater heights of integrity, openness, and achievement—the psychological equivalent of aerodynamic lift. Solidly based in the social science literature—with special focus on recent advances in the study of positive psychology and strengths-based leadership, as well as Robert Quinn’s groundbreaking work on organizational effectiveness—Lift identifies four mindsets that will enable us become a consistently positive influence in every aspect of our lives: being purpose-centered, internally-directed, other-focused and externally-open. Separate chapters explore each of these components in depth, analyzing the psychological and social factors that keep people from applying them and what we can do to overcome those obstacles. Although there are exercises and tools throughout to help you understand and apply the authors’ lift framework—as well as compelling stories of personal and professional applications of lift—this is not a book about tactics. Rather, the Quinns challenge you to ask: What can I do to be a positive influence?