I've read any number of books in my life, but the most practical book for entrepreneurs and executives that I've ever read is Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People.
I put off reading the book for 42 years because the title held no appeal for me. I had no interest in learning how to manipulate people into seeing things my way.
As I read the book, however, I realized that the book isn't about how to manipulate people, but really how to be a better person. The point isn't to learn how to fool people--no Jedi mind tricks--the point is to learn to be the kind of person with whom you'd like to do business.
In the coming weeks, I will post some observations about dealing with people inspired by the book but applied to today's entrepreneur.
