"Our personal beliefs define our choices, shape our lives and, collectively, determine our futures. Nothing is more important than belief."
- The Business of Belief, page 11
"Belief is a personal construct, and emotionally-colored fusion of imperfect mental processes like perception and memory."- The Business of Belief, page 14
Nearly half of the book is devoted to what leaders (as well as marketers, salespeople, coaches, educators, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and others) know about belief. And while scientists have difficulty identifying and quantifying such an abstract concept as belief, it is the most powerful tool to move individuals to action.
Focusing on the power of the human mind to both absorb and modify all input, Asacker identifies the ways our unconscious minds use existing beliefs to create our reality. It is primarily our emotions, which drive perception and support our pre-existing beliefs. This behavior is evident in our cognitive dissonance (when we seek confirming evidence for existing beliefs), in our desires, and in the stories we tell ourselves.
"Altering someone’s beliefs is not an act of short-lived persuasion; it’s an act of leadership."- The Business of Belief, page 61
Leadership in the marketplace comes down to understanding the beliefs of your target audience and embracing their desires. The second part of The Business of Belief delves into ways leaders move individuals to change behavior, which begins by changing their beliefs. Asacker outlines the bridge leaders can use to move their audience from belief to change:
"Influence your attitude by controlling your actions. Change your behavior and your behavior will change your mind."- The Business of Belief, page 112
Tom Asacker spends the remaining pages of the book delving into ways we can personally use the power of belief to make changes in our lives. And it is entirely in flipping the belief-behavior paradigm that we can accomplish the goals we seek. By being conscious of our beliefs, we can step back and make concerted efforts to decide first who we are, where we are going, what we want to believe, and how we will act in the story of our lives.
I found this little tome interesting primarily for its focus on how beliefs determine much of our reality. And with my focus on sales and marketing, I identified with many of Asacker’s stories (such as Apple’s simplicity of design and Mother Teresa’s contagious passion). I appreciated this focus on passionate leadership and gentle encouragement as ways to reinforce behaviors and change beliefs.
Tom specializes in helping people see the marketplace and their work differently. He has been teaching and inspiring organizations and entrepreneurs for over 20 years with his unique educational offerings and his one-of-a-kind keynote presentations. World-class companies including Procter & Gamble, UPS, and G.E. have called on Tom to shake up their people, fill them with ideas and charge them with inspiration.
