‘Never Split the Difference’ by Chris Voss is a bit like that friend who always seems to win every argument but somehow makes you feel great about it. With lessons gleaned from high-stakes FBI hostage negotiations, Voss teaches you how to master the art of negotiation in a way that makes everyone feel like they’ve won, even when they haven’t. Whether you’re haggling over a car price or negotiating who takes out the trash, Voss’s techniques remind us that life is just a series of little deals – and some big ones too.
If you loved how ’Never Split the Difference’ gave you the keys to win arguments without making enemies, then buckle up because the books on this list are packed with even more mind-blowing tips. From understanding the quirky ways our brains make decisions in ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ to learning how to turn your wild ideas into successful businesses with ‘The Lean Startup’, these books will keep you sharp, savvy, and maybe just a little smug at your next meeting. And pro tip – these books make excellent gifts.
Contents
Thinking, Fast and Slow
Author: Daniel Kahneman
Year of Publication: 2011
Summary: Ever wonder why you impulsively bought that fancy coffee maker? Nobel Prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman breaks down how our brain operates in two modes: fast thinking, which is impulsive and emotional, and slow thinking, which is more logical and deliberate. Spoiler alert: your brain is sometimes its own worst enemy.
Thinking, Fast and Slow
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The Lean Startup
Author: Eric Ries
Year of Publication: 2011
Summary: Building a business can feel like throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks. Eric Ries cuts through the mess with his guide on how to test ideas quickly and pivot when necessary. It’s like a GPS for startups, steering you away from costly mistakes.
The Lean Startup
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Obviously Awesome
Author: April Dunford
Year of Publication: 2019
Summary: If your business is more “meh” than “wow,” April Dunford is here to help you fix that. With a focus on product positioning, this book will teach you how to make your product stand out in a way that makes customers say, “Obviously, I need that.”
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Author: Stephen R. Covey
Year of Publication: 1989
Summary: Covey’s classic is basically the potpourri of personal development. Packed with timeless wisdom on productivity, integrity, and self-improvement, it’s a must-read for anyone who wants to be their best self without needing to meditate on a mountain for five years.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
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What Happened to You?
Authors: Bruce D. Perry, Oprah Winfrey
Year of Publication: 2021
Summary: Trauma shapes us more than we realise, and Oprah (yes, Oprah – the very same that went ‘And I-‘) teams up with Dr. Bruce Perry to break down how our past experiences influence our present. It’s not about blaming anyone, but about understanding why we are the way we are – and how we can heal.
Breakthrough Advertising
Author: Eugene M. Schwartz
Year of Publication: 1966
Summary: Schwartz’s guide to advertising is like a time capsule of marketing genius. Though written decades ago, his principles on copywriting and consumer psychology are still just as effective in today’s digital age. Think Mad Men, but with less scotch and more strategy.
Nobody Wants to Read Your Shit
Author: Steven Pressfield
Year of Publication: 2016
Summary: Pressfield pulls no punches in this no-nonsense guide to writing. He’s here to tell you the hard truth: people don’t care about your work unless you make them care. If you want your writing (or marketing) to stand out, this is the kick in the pants you need. And don’t worry too much about the brutally honest title – sometimes, that’s just what the creative mind needs to get its gears turning.
Counselling for Toads
Author: Robert de Board
Year of Publication: 1997
Summary: Imagine if the characters from ‘The Wind in the Willows’ went to therapy. That’s exactly what this book delivers, using familiar faces to explain the basics of transactional analysis. It’s a charming introduction to counselling with a good dose of whimsy – and the title isn’t misleading, like some other books I can’t name right now.
The Memo
Author: Minda Harts
Year of Publication: 2019
Summary: Women of colour face unique challenges in the workplace, and Minda Harts gives them the ultimate playbook for navigating these hurdles. Her practical advice on how to negotiate, network, and thrive makes this a must-read for anyone wanting to rise above office politics.
The Memo
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Your Next Five Moves
Author: Patrick Bet-David
Year of Publication: 2020
Summary: Bet-David (rather interesting name) encourages readers to think like chess grandmasters, always planning five moves ahead. It’s packed with strategies for achieving personal and professional success, from decision-making to leadership. It’s basically the blueprint for turning yourself into a strategic powerhouse.
And that concludes this list. If you find it entertaining to engage in healthy debates about the progression of climate change, or find yourself constantly roped into completely unnecessary arguments with people who can’t seem to listen – any and all situations are covered under these masterpieces.
So, what’s the takeaway from this list? Whether you’re looking to negotiate better, understand how your brain works, or become the next big thing in business, these books have got your back. They offer practical, sometimes humorous, and always insightful tips to make you a better version of yourself.
But do you find yourself strapped for time, unable to sit down with a cup of hot chocolate and a nice little blanket, to go through these books? Same, but don’t worry – Wizdom is here for you. Wizdom provides bite-size summaries and audio works for all these books and more, so you can just start going through them? No need to wait for the rain, or a cup of hot chocolate – although I’d still recommend having those days for yourself every once in a while.
Ready to dive into these gems? With Wizdom, you can explore all these books and more, anytime, anywhere. It’s like having a library in your pocket, without the overdue fines. Go on, feed your brain – it’s hungry for wisdom!
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