Persuasion Expert Amy Showalter Shares New Thoughts on Gladwell's "David and Goliath" Book

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Nov 19, 2013, 08:40 ET

CINCINNATI, Nov. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell might be feeling a bit like an underdog as reviewers have criticized his comments about "the benefits of adversity" in his new book, "David and Goliath."

"Malcolm starts with a good premise, but he isn't telling the rest of the story," said Amy Showalter, author of "The Underdog Edge," who has interviewed more than 60 underdogs who have found ways to overcome obstacles to get their ideas accepted in business, government and politics.

Reviewers from The New York Times to the Wall Street Journal have taken Gladwell to task on several of his premises, including one where he says that any person who has an adversity, such as dyslexia, is likely to emerge a winner.

"That's simply not true," said Showalter, who also studied the social psychology literature from universities on this subject. "People who faced another adversity Gladwell wrote about – that of losing a parent early in life – face as much chance of winding up in jail or committing suicide as they do of achieving success."

Showalter, who consults with trade groups, associations, non-profits and grassroots political organizations presented detailed information and play-by-play tactics on how underdogs really get ahead in her book, "The Underdog Edge."

"The key to dealing with adversity is how you handle it. High achievers don't ruminate, they activate. They don't over analyze," said Showalter, who presents keynote speeches at conferences for trade associations, corporations and large non-profit advocacy groups. "However, people who face adversity poorly tend to over-analyze and talk about themselves more. They go to the dark side, which Gladwell doesn't discuss."

Based on extensive research with political leaders, business executives and the people who successfully persuaded them, her book features peer-reviewed research which cites grit as a key factor in determining success. Fortunately, grit can be learned. Her book shows 11 ways to increase your grit quotient.

"Flick any belief in instant gratification off your shoulder and realize that it may take years to reach your goal. Commitment to your cause is key," she said. "Remember, if someone can talk you out of doing it, you don't have the fire."

She also suggests that underdogs don't take failure personally and they celebrate small victories.

For more tactics and strategies to learn how to get more powerful people and organizations to adopt your ideas, read "The Underdog Edge" which provides the battle plan for underdogs to win political battles.

Showalter provides step-by-step instructions for trade groups, companies, political parties, non-profits and individuals to influence decision makers, affect policy change and make a difference in the world. In short, it is a playbook that shows how ordinary people change the minds of the powerful.

For information on her speaking, consulting and coaching services, go to http://www.ShowalterGroup.com

About Amy Showalter

Amy is a grassroots and PAC influence expert who founded The Showalter Group to help associations and corporations increase their grassroots and PAC effectiveness. In fact, over 85% of her long-term consulting clients have experienced an increase in budget, staff, and senior management recognition after collaborating with Amy.

She blogs for KStreetCafe.com, Lobbyblog.com and has been a columnist for Forbes. Over 500 media outlets have featured her insights, including the San Francisco Chronicle, The Washington Times, Politico, CNN Money.com, Foxnews.com, CNBC.com, and Roll Call.

Amy also is the Executive Editor of Creating and Managing an Association Government Relations Program, published by the American Society of Association Executives.

Over 3,000 government relations professionals subscribe to her Roots of Success newsletter. She is the Co-Founder and Producer of Innovate to Motivate®, a conference for veteran political involvement professionals.

About The Showalter Group (TSG)

Founded in 1999, TSG clients include major corporations such as International Paper, Monsanto, Southwest Airlines, and national trade associations such as the National Restaurant Association and the International Dairy Foods Association. Major non-profits that they have collaborated with include the American Heart Association's Office of Public Advocacy, the United States Green Building Council, and the Girl Scouts of the USA. State trade associations that have hired The Showalter Group for consulting projects include the California Healthcare Association, the Mountain West Credit Union Association, and numerous state REALTOR® associations.