Absolutely brilliant book ( )

http://www.shearonforschools.com/hard... ( )

Cialdini, Robert B.. Influence: Science and Practice. Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 2001. This book describes the techniques that ``influence professionals'' (salespeople, etc.) use to get us to agree to their requests. Cialdini describes six broad strategies: Reciprocity (do a favor first), Committment (e.g., get the mark to commit to a smaller action first), Social Proof (everybody else is doing it!), Liking (self explanatory), Authority (actors playing doctors in commercials), and Scarcity (let people think they're competing for a scarce resource). This book is valuable on two levels: In my current job, I need to learn to wield influence. Second, I need to learn when people are trying techniques to influence me. There are two big selling points to this book. First, it is clearly and entertainingly written. Second, Cialdini extensively cites research to back his claims. Although this is a ``business book,'' Cialdini establishes his credibility with hard evidence. ( )

The first time I read it, it was a pdf file on my computer. I was so hooked, it took me just one week-end to read it in one go.
It should be a classic of self-awareness. It will be much more difficult for somebody to manipulate you after you read this book. ( )