Persuasion

Persuasion is a well-covered topic in the business press, but author Dave Lakhani comes at it from a different perspective. His mother was part of a strict religious cult and, until he was 16, Lakhani also was a member. He left voluntarily and decided to find out what persuasive techniques had drawn his mother into the group, and what eventually allowed her – albeit reluctantly – to leave its grip. Lakhani approaches persuasion from the perspective of cultists and serial manipulators, and acknowledges its potential misuse. He presents fresh insights and recommendations for its more ethical applications. His book is convincing, tightly written and packed with valuable techniques.