How to Win People Over

Even though we’re all human, most of us don’t understand what drives people (including ourselves) to feel and behave the way we do. In The Laws of Human Nature, author Robert Greene looks at several laws that explain, among other things, why we self-sabotage, behave differently in groups, and want the wrong things.

Armed with the knowledge of these fundamentals of human nature, you can manage toxic people, become more empathetic, make people like you, and control your own nature.

Do you constantly get swept away by your emotions? Would you like to learn how to control your emotional reactions at home or at work? Or maybe you’re uncomfortable with emotions, and don’t understand why you or anyone else feels them? Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman is a comprehensive look at what emotions are and why we have them, how we can get better at managing them, and why the well-being of humanity might depend on us doing so.

In The Daily Laws, Robert Greene argues that we lead our lives guided by false beliefs: We believe that chasing money will make us happy, that others always have our best interests at heart, and that our flaws are smaller than other peoples’, among other things. However, because these beliefs aren’t based in reality, they leave us unhappy and unfulfilled. To stop being led astray and made miserable by these false beliefs, Greene writes that we must become more attuned to reality—to the ways the world actually works and how people actually behave. He provides a lesson for each day of the year on how to reconnect with reality and thus become happier and more fulfilled.

The Daily Laws is a compilation of core maxims from five of his other books, including The 48 Laws of Power and The Laws of Human Nature. Throughout the guide, we’ll compare Greene’s insights with those found in other books, such as Scott Young’s Ultralearning and Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations, and provide actionable suggestions on how you can apply his lessons to your life.

Personal charisma and likeability are important for many different areas of life, from career success to navigating family and relationships. And at times, it can feel like you’re either born with it or without it—but this isn’t true. In reality, charisma is a skill like any other. In How to Become a People Magnet, motivational speaker and life coach Marc Reklau explains how you can improve your charisma and social abilities. His lessons are based on one main principle: People are mainly interested in themselves and what they can get from you. If you keep this in mind and tailor your conversations around it, you’ll start getting along better with others.

This guide covers Reklau’s main strategies for making positive first impressions, forming deeper connections, and persuading people. In our commentary, we’ll cover some of the psychology behind his advice and offer alternate perspectives on charisma and social success.

In Power, management expert and business professor Jeffrey Pfeffer explores the nature of power and explains how you can gain and use it effectively. He says power is an essential part of success: Whether you’re trying to get promoted at work or change the world, the more power you have, the more likely you are to succeed. Because of this, it’s important to know how power works and how to increase your own power.

In this guide, we’ll explore Pfeffer’s definition of power and explain why you should seek it. We’ll then share his advice on how to gain power, including where to start, how to network effectively, and how to appear powerful. We’ll also look at how to deal with the failures and conflicts that come with seeking power and the negative consequences power can bring. In our commentary, we’ll dive deeper into the dynamics of power and compare Pfeffer’s advice to that of other self-help, business, and leadership experts.

What is the key to success? It's hard to tell when so much success advice is contradictory: Should you be kind, or is being nice for losers? Should you spend every waking hour at work, or focus on work-life balance? In Barking Up the Wrong Tree, peak performance expert Eric Barker examines the research on every option—and shares what he believes are the secrets to success.

In this guide, you'll learn why context is king—in other words, why the rules for success depend on who you are—and examine interpersonal relationships, reviewing the importance of kindness, networks, and your attitude towards success. We'll also present Barker's views on persistence and hard work, namely why you need to stick to some things and quit others, and how you can achieve the ideal balance of work and play. Along the way, we'll examine how Barker’s ideas compare with those of other thought leaders and introduce even more ways to implement his suggestions.

Have you ever wondered what qualities make a person successful? Are you looking for self-improvement strategies that focus on the unique challenges women face in the workplace? In She Thinks Like a Boss, Jemma Roedel defines the qualities of a successful person and offers tips for how to develop those traits in yourself. Though anyone can apply her advice, her aim is to help women break through barriers to become leaders in the business world.

In this guide, we’ll cover three qualities that make you successful in the workforce: strong leadership, skillful communication, and self-confidence. In each section, we’ll discuss the strategies that can help you develop these traits. We’ll also explore how these strategies apply specifically to women in the workplace. In our commentary, we’ll explore the history behind the barriers to success women face at work, as well as some additional tips for applying Roedel’s advice.

What is the key to success? It's hard to tell when so much success advice is contradictory: Should you be kind, or is being nice for losers? Should you spend every waking hour at work, or focus on work-life balance? In Barking Up the Wrong Tree, peak performance expert Eric Barker examines the research on every option—and shares what he believes are the secrets to success.

In this guide, you'll learn why context is king—in other words, why the rules for success depend on who you are—and examine interpersonal relationships, reviewing the importance of kindness, networks, and your attitude towards success. We'll also present Barker's views on persistence and hard work, namely why you need to stick to some things and quit others, and how you can achieve the ideal balance of work and play. Along the way, we'll examine how Barker’s ideas compare with those of other thought leaders and introduce even more ways to implement his suggestions.

Is there someone in your life who always pushes your buttons? Someone who makes the simplest interaction feel like pulling teeth? In Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Difficult People, business training consultant Renée Evenson argues that you can reform your relationships with difficult people with the right conversational skills. By mastering the art of effective communication, you can avoid frustrating conflicts, create a more cooperative working environment, and accomplish more in your personal and professional lives.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to use Evenson’s five-stage conflict resolution process to persuade difficult people to stop acting out. You’ll understand how to keep people from getting defensive and instead motivate them to help find mutually beneficial solutions. In our commentary, we’ll supplement Evenson’s advice with tips from other books on conflict resolution, like Difficult Conversations and Nonviolent Communication. Additionally, we’ll offer counterpoints to Evenson’s advice from books like The Charisma Myth and You Can Negotiate Anything.