WALL STREET JOURNAL, LOS ANGELES TIMES, AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER • Anyone—even you!—can learn how to harness the power of humor in business (and life), based on the popular class at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business. Don’t miss the authors’ TED Talk, “Why great leaders take humor seriously,” online now. “The ultimate guide to using the magical power of funny as a tool for leadership and a force for good.”—Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of When and Drive We are living through a period of unprecedented uncertainty and upheaval in both our personal and professional lives. So it should come as a surprise to exactly no one that trust, human connection, and mental well-being are all on the decline. This may seem like no laughing matter. Yet, the research shows that humor and laughter are among the most valuable tools we have at our disposal for strengthening bonds and relationships, diffusing stress and tension, boosting resilience, and performing when the stakes are high. That’s why Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas teach the popular course Humor: Serious Business at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where they help some of the world’s most hard-driving, blazer-wearing business minds infuse more humor and levity into their work and lives. In Humor, Seriously, they draw on findings by behavioral scientists, world-class comedians, and inspiring business leaders to reveal how humor works and—more important—how you can use more of it, better. Aaker and Bagdonas unpack the theory and application of humor: what makes something funny, how to mine your life for material, and simple ways to identify and leverage your unique humor style. They show how to use humor to rebuild vital connections; appear more confident, competent, and authentic at work; and foster cultures where levity and creativity can thrive. President Dwight David Eisenhower once said, “A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.” If Dwight David Eisenhower, the second least naturally funny president (after Franklin Pierce), thought humor was necessary to win wars, build highways, and warn against the military-industrial complex, then you might consider learning it too.

The traditional sales professional is a thing of the past. Today, people are increasingly selling independently—be it a product, a service, or their own image. Everybody’s looking for a good deal. But how does it work? Different than you might think, says Stephan Heinrich. People don’t want to be persuaded. Instead, they want to negotiate at eye level. That’s why this book won’t reveal how to create interest, but rather how to locate interest that is already there. Furthermore, how to put your decision maker into a position to decide reasonable: For a purchase, for a project, for an investment or for a cooperation. Making your business connections profitable in the long term.

A selection of letters written by the American art dealer Richard Bellamy (1927-1998)

Small talk has a big impact—learn to master this most important communication skill to feel more at ease at work, parties, and events of all kinds. Carol Fleming wants to show you that small talk is not as small as you might think. It’s the foundation of every relationship, professional and personal. It’s the sound of people reaching out to each other, searching for similarities, shared interests, goodwill, connections, and friendship. And it’s something that can be learned, even by those requiring the smallest of baby steps. We engage in small talk every day with people we know—but it feels a lot tougher when we go outside our comfort zone. This guide to graceful social conversation covers both inner and outer aspects—from the right attitude to how to dress, move around, and introduce yourself. Most importantly, Fleming lays out a series of simple, memorable conversational strategies that make it easy to go from “Nice weather we're having” to a genuine, rewarding give-and-take. But she won’t tell you what to say. Believe it or not, you already have what you need inside you. She merely provides the keys to unlock it!

The Serious Business of Being Happy combines scientific research and clinical experience to lay out a wealth of strategies to bring about happiness with oneself, other people, and daily life in general. Suitable for a wide range of mental health professionals, the book provides an applicable, comprehensive step-by-step approach to fulfilling a happy life. Chapters draw on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy theory and practice to illustrate key areas where happiness can be maximized, including identifying life purpose and sacred principles, finding happiness with oneself, and finding happiness with others. Also included is a personalized "Happiness Action Plan," along with case examples, exercises, and reflections, to translate the ideas into concrete action. Leaving aside the psychobabble and feel-good clichés, The Serious Business of Being Happy is a valuable resource for practitioners working with individuals to build a positive psychology in everyday life.

Analyzes children's out-of-school time, including play, activities with parents, household chores, and television viewing, to determine its influence on their development