2- The Art of War - Sun Tzu The oldest military treatise in the world is still astonishingly
relevant today. Hidden within its clear descriptions of armed strategy
are lessons that can be applied to any area of life. Sun Tzu wrote that
the key to success is not in fighting but in acquiring an advantage
over one's opponents, be it through resourcefulness, cunning,
flexibility, integrity, secrecy, positioning, surprise, or deception.
Since his time, millions have successfully applied Sun Tzu's ideas to
their own lives. It's even been reported that this book is mandatory
reading in many boardrooms, military academies, professional locker
rooms, and CIA training facilities.
What it teaches us: Sun Tzu said the most important factor to
consider is the cost of competition. Rather than building large armies
and engaging in direct, long battles, one should keep their investments
small and their contests quick. Furthermore, the best way to defeat a
competitor is not to attack him, but rather to focus on an area that he
must defend.
Quote: "Those skilled at making the enemy move do so by creating
a situation to which he must conform; they entice him with something he
is certain to take, and with lures of ostensible profit they await him
in strength."
3- How To Win Friends And Influence People - Dale Carnegie Written in the late '30s, the principles in this book have stood the
test of time. Carnegie, a master of human nature, knew exactly how to
peer into a person's ego and stroke it just right to sway them to his
cause. He argues that success is only 15% professional knowledge; the
remaining 85% is the ability to assume leadership and arouse enthusiasm
in others. In order to influence others without inspiring resentment or
feelings of manipulation, one must see things through the eyes of
others.
What it teaches us: You can make others like you by showing
genuine interest, talking about their likes and repeating their names
constantly. You can better persuade a person by making him think an
idea was his while being sympathetic to his desires. The best leaders
encourage with
honest praise and address mistakes indirectly.
Quote: "When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing
with creatures of logic, but with creatures of emotion, creatures
bristling with prejudice, and motivated by pride and vanity."