Compelling People: The Hidden Qualities that Make Us Influential. Neffinger & Kohut.
In this illuminating book which covers how to be more influential, John Neffinger and Matthew Kohut trace the path to influence. Much of the book covers the research on trust and influence, the basis of which is a balance of strength (the root of respect) and warmth (the root of affection). While the idea sounds simple, they present the social, biological and neurological reasons why this is challenging for most people to get the balance right. The book is full of cutting-edge social science research, and includes a wonderful section on gender differences, and how women must approach influence differently. A great book for anyone interested in leading and influencing more effectively.
The Culture Map, Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business by Erin Meyer.
In this must-read for anyone working globally, the author discusses cultural differences and how to succeed while working in a global context. If you interact with people of different cultures in any part of your life, this book is incredibly eye-opening — and fun to read. The corresponding self-assessment on Meyer’s website provides awareness of your own cultural style and how it contrasts against other styles of cultures.