uished between most “influential,” and most “powerful,” and Clinton tops that list). According to thought leader Amitai Etzioni (cited by Lacayo, p. 45), “when I exercise power, I immediately generate resentment and opposition. When I influence you, you love what I ask you to do.” (Note well this quote, it will come up again). Whether he is studied, or not, he obviously grasps the concepts of reactance and internalization. Evidently, so do those who find themselves on the “influence” list, including Stephen Covey.How is Stephen Covey spreading his influence? As the founder of the Covey Leadership Centre in Provo, Utah, he has led his company to grow from 2 employees to over 700 in 13 years, grossing about $78 million in 1995. He has attracted and trained employees from over half the Fortune 500 companies, which in turn all have great influence in their communities and local political scenes (since we’re talking about Fortune 500 companies, the political clout can reasonably be expected to extend far beyond the local political scene), and in the business world in which they operate. In addition, Steve Helmich, President of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, says (cited by Lacayo, 1996) the “Covey regimen” made the whole town better. Indeed, his influence, on behalf of the New Age, is extensive, and powerful.As we observe the effective, charismatic speaker, in the wake of the tragedy of the mass suicide of member s of Heaven’s Gate, consider finally the thought that “the most important cause of death may have been the cult’s guru. His personality has been compared to Mr. Rogers, but Herff Applewhite was a master manipulator” (Newsweek, 1997, p. 21).Is the New Age forcing strange ideas upon us? Not at all. As we recall the roots of the New Age, we remember that much of what is happening is “coming around again.” C. S. Lewis suggested th...
