Book Title: Laws of Influence: Seven Lessons in Transformational Leadership
Author: Prof. Charles Mwewa
Reviewer: Stephen Misori
The true measure of a person’s life lies in the impact they have on others. It is essential to honor men and women who have selflessly valued the well-being of others over their own.
The highest form of contribution to society is when one genuinely and tirelessly dedicates themselves to helping others succeed.
In his book Laws of Influence: Seven Lessons in Transformational Leadership, Prof. Charles Mwewa, a prolific author of over 150 books across various genres, delves into the core principles of influence.
He emphasizes that true champions and winners are those who lead by example and help others succeed.
The 20-chapter book is structured into seven parts, each dedicated to exploring one of the seven laws of influence.
Prof. Mwewa highlights that leaders are uniquely positioned to make a significant impact on others, offering a rare opportunity to understand and apply these principles.
He writes, “Not every leader influences people for the better. Effective leaders are those who inspire others to reach their full potential, motivating them to achieve what once seemed impossible.”
He urges leaders to exercise integrity, reminding them that what truly matters is how you finish the journey, not how it began.
He emphasizes the importance of running your race with integrity and treating others along the way as you would want to be treated.
He pens, “Unless you are pretty sure you will never come down, the way you relate to the people on your way up is very important. You might meet the same people on your way down.”
In his book, Mwewa distinguishes between leaders and followers by highlighting their perspectives on the future.
He explains that leaders envision a future full of possibilities, while followers tend to focus only on the present moment.
He writes, “Your job as a leader is to influence your workers, subordinates, followers, or a nation, to see the future the way it must be.”
In Part 1 of the book, Mwewa tells the story of Ed Mirvish, a prominent Toronto businessman known for his iconic discount store, Honest Ed’s, and his significant contributions to the revival of the city’s theatre scene.
Mirvish’s impact on Toronto was twofold: his store became a beloved landmark, attracting shoppers from all walks of life with its unbeatable deals, while his passion for the arts led to the rejuvenation of Toronto’s theatre district, turning it into a vibrant cultural hub.
Through his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the arts, Ed Mirvish left an indelible mark on the city.
He writes, “It is not his picture walking side by side with Princes Diana that made this man famous and beloved – it was his heart.”
The author argues that the true measure of a man’s life is the impact he has on others. He reflects on Ed Mirvish, who passed away at the age of 92, noting that Mirvish lived for a purpose greater than simply making money.
Mirvish’s life was defined by his commitment to improving the lives of those around him, leaving a legacy far beyond financial success.
Mwewa writes, “You don’t need to have lots of money to make an impact: all you need is a heart, a desire to live for other human beings.”
This book emphasizes the importance of making positive contributions to the community. The writer explains that the most valuable investment in life is in people, highlighting the profound impact that helping others can have on both individuals and society as a whole.
Mwewa writes, “When you serve them with your position, money, or gifts, they live to appreciate you even after you are long gone.”
He suggests that true immortality is defined by one’s contributions, as what a person does for themselves ends with their own life.
In contrast, the impact one has on others endures beyond their lifetime.
He adds, “But what you do for others and the world outlives you and is immortal.”
Professor Mwewa uses the analogy of The Good Samaritan to emphasize the importance of the heart over money, social status, or position.
In the story, he recounts the actions of three different characters: two are linked to religious roles, while the third is not.
Despite the religious affiliations of the first two, it is the third character, without such ties, who shows true compassion, demonstrating that genuine kindness comes from the heart, not from external attributes.
He writes, “Fear and pride prevent the two religious figures from ministering care to the wounded man. But the Samaritan not only tends the victim but also offers to pay for any expense arising from his treatment.”
Mwewa urges leaders to use their power to help and inspire others, highlighting that aiding someone else’s success is a noble pursuit and that supporting fellow human beings is an admirable endeavor.
He challenges, “What has destroyed our society? Is it not our insatiable appetite for personal gain? Even for the smallest tasks we do for others, we expect to be rewarded.”
In the book, Mwewa laments that many people spend their lives accumulating wealth, only to pass away without ever truly enjoying it.
He writes, “Deep down in our minds we feel that we are building lasting legacies. But someone else who didn’t drop even a single drop of sweat will inherit and foil our toil. Where is human wisdom? Where is our sense of contribution?”
In Part II, the author explores the power of persuasion as a crucial tool in guiding people to make sound decisions. Mwewa explains that persuasion goes beyond simply informing; it encourages people to change—from bad to good, from a life without meaning to one filled with purpose.
He writes, “Persuasion is fearless in the face of confusion and uncertainty. It stands firm on your side, even when others are skeptical.”
The book highlights the persuasive abilities of world leaders like George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Mark Antony, showcasing how they skillfully used persuasion to influence key decisions in their favor.
He notes, “Mark Antony masterfully stirred the emotions of Rome, leading the people to direct their anger, hatred, and disgust toward Brutus and his allies. Through the art of persuasion, Mark Antony successfully incited Rome to revolt.”
Mwewa observes that politicians often use persuasive language to share their vision, propose laws, push for legislation, advocate for their constituencies, or even mislead the public.
He states, “Lawyers, church leaders, paralegals, and others all harness the power of persuasion to advocate for their positions.”
To further illustrate persuasion, the author recounts the story from the Book of Genesis, where the serpent persuades the first woman to break a divine command.
Mwewa explains that while the serpent’s eloquence intrigued the woman, it was his strategic use of persuasion that ultimately led to her decision.
He writes, “The serpent employed what is known in the classical Art of Rhetoric as ethos and pathos. Pathos appeals to emotions, while ethos is concerned with character.”
In Part III, the author shifts focus to the law of caring, emphasizing the importance of kindness and genuine concern for others. He asserts that true caring cannot be intellectualized; it must come from the depths of the heart.
He writes, “Everyone has the capacity to care, to love someone heartily, and render a service that eases another’s pain or suffering.”
In this part of the book, the author explores the natural law of seasons, emphasizing the importance of time in everything within the universe. Mwewa notes that when you observe the seasons, you’ll see they follow a structured pattern.
He stresses that understanding The Natural Law of Seasons helps us stay composed and face life’s challenges with confidence.
The book serves as a reminder to sow virtues such as peace, respect, and love, as we will ultimately reap what we sow.
Mwewa illustrates this by saying, “When you plant corn or maize, that’s exactly what you’ll harvest.”
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He also believes that only actions and words delivered with compassion can have a lasting impact on others. He adds that compassion starts with sympathy and culminates in empathy.
He further explains, “True servants of the people are those who compassionately step into others’ shoes, striving to understand the challenges they face and the pain they endure.”
The author acknowledges that God is the great equaliser, having endowed every one of His creatures with a brain. He questions what more one could ask for when already blessed with such a gift.
