Summer Reads: Negotiation and Mediation

I couldn't let summer pass by completely without making a list of books to read. If you’re headed for vacation, here are some ideas for books to take along.

Rene-Marc Mangin, Minds in Motion. Rene-Marc, a mediator, business consultant, and college professor, goes waaay beyond body language to discuss the nonverbals of subliminal influence.

Andrew Little, Making Money Talk. Andy, a North Carolina mediator, puts mediations that are based on money (as opposed to relationships) into perspective. Learn how to make your offer convey the information you want.

Linda Babcock & Sara Laschever, Ask For It. Written for women, this book will help anyone become a better negotiator.

Lynn Lancaster & David Stillman, When Generations Collide. While this book is about solving the generational puzzle at work, it speaks to all of us in understanding differences with those in different generations.

Dan Roam, The Back of a Napkin. Everyone has different learning styles. Learn how to solve problems and persuade others by using drawings--yours.

Martin Seligman, The Optimistic Child. This is a wild card--my favorite book on child rearing. We teach our children many things, but intentionally teaching them optimism may be the most important thing we can do. Seligman, a professor at Penn, believes optimism can be learned.

Let me know what books you're reading this summer.