|
 Sub-title should be: how to get people to do what you want
I first read this book nearly 20 years ago, and have been buying copies for staff Christmas presents and for graduation gifts ever since. Cialdini performed a significant amount of field work to develop his ideas. He then used examples from these real world experiences to analyze and explain why people agree to do things, sometimes doing things that puzzle themselves later.
Understanding the 6 principles he identifies (reciprocation, commitment and consistency, social proof, liking, authority, and scarcity) will be useful in every phase of your life. These principles can be used for good, to help you reach agreements or get things approved at work, get your children to adopt good behaviors, be a good neighbor or friend or spouse, and understand how to present your ideas to others in any environment.
I especially liked two things -- his believable, real world examples, and his recommendations about how to resist being persuaded. No one is immune to the basic principles of influence. Recognizing unethical use of influence and recommendations about how to counteract it makes this book indispensable.
I consider this a business book. However, one usually finds it in the self help section. Both classifications are appropriate.
Eric Karl, Chief Financial Officer, Dallas Fort Worth, Texas
Absolutely revealing!
I just got the book and haven't finished reading everything but I must say that I started laughing out loud about some of Robert Cialdini's experiences as I have experienced some situations myself and I also was astounded about the revelations of human behaviors. I can't wait to finish reading it. It is one of the best books I have read and I already learned so much that I can use in my day-to-day life. The book is easy to read and clearly explains human behaviors with great examples to which most of us can relate.
 Great Intro to Persuasion
This book was very well written and provided interesting anecdotes on persuasion techniques. For anyone who's taken a social psychology course though, there isn't really anything new here. I was slightly disappointed by that, but I think anyone else would really benefit from this book.
Influenced to get it
If you want to learn something new and how the power of influence works in general, get this book, it's a timeless read. Robert explains in detail the different types of tactical influence employed by compliance experts. You will be more aware of these tactics and how to intelligently protect yourself from these tactics. You've been influenced.
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion (Collins Business Essentials)
This book is very interesting, though somewhat hard to read.
I recommend reading it more than once.
|
(based on 326 reviews)
