Essentials:
Influence: The Psychology of PersuasionRobert B. Cialdini's classic text on persuasion and influence. A very rich collection of communication theory written in layman's terms, Influence has been on the mandatory reading list for new consultants at CRA for 15 years.
Getting Things Done : The Art of Stress-Free ProductivityHere David Allen has written a very important book for those trying to manage life in our information-driven world. It had a dramatic effect on our productivity, and it will on yours. Is your inbox empty? If not, get this book, read it, and apply its principles. You’ll be glad you did.
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big DifferenceMalcolm Gladwell’s bestseller offers valuable insights into why some ideas rapidly diffuse across a population and others don’t. It’s all about having the developing the right message, putting it into hands of the the right message carriers, and creating the right context. It’s not a business book, per se, but its packed with implications for how to promote ideas in organizations.
Eyewitness to Power: The Essence of Leadership Nixon to ClintonDavid Gergen has served five presidential administrations, Republican and Democrat alike. As a trusted advisor to the most powerful office in the world, Gergen offers practical and strategic lessons on communication and leadership. It’s a required reading in our office.
Management of the AbsurdRichard Farson lays out a set of contradictions in modern organizations and management that are spot-on. Read this book, especially if you’re in a leadership role.