Authentic influence is about more than creating a strong initial connection--it's about sustaining professional relationships long after an agreement has been reached. When others sense they are being pushed, their guard goes up. In business interactions, even if the person you are pitching to does comply with your requests, lingering resentment may undermine the relationship forever. So why do most books on influence still portray it as something...

Difficult people can make life hard, but a select few can make it hell. The boss with nonsensical demands. The spouse who explodes at nothing. The overly emotional coworker, hostile neighbor, or friend who frequently bursts into tears. Marriages, families, friendships, careers, businesses--crazy people drag them all down with their manipulation, volatility, and inability to see the world rationally. You can't win by just ignoring the craziness or...

A practical guide to help workers and managers deal with the self-sabotage that stands in the way of career advancement and satisfaction. Self-defeating behavior is the most common reason that people put their jobs, careers, and reputations in jeopardy. Whether it's as simple as a breach of etiquette or a fear of learning new things, expecting too much from employers or failure to delegate, these behaviors lead to frustration, confusion, guilt, defensiveness,...