Most of the things I have learned in life have been through trial and error.  Through books, I am able to learn the trial and errors and the winning formulas of those who have experienced success in their life and gain experiences through books.  The following five books are my recommendations for anyone wanting more power and influence.  Excel in life by continually learning, and innovating yourself:

1:  The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene--  This book is a book that I reference back to time and time again.  The book is like the bible of power and Robert Greene explores the historical figures and situations for you to understand the inner workings of power.  One of my favorites!

2: The 50th Law by 50 Cent and Robert Greene-- Another great book by Robert Greene and this one is based upon him following and observing 50 Cent.  I came to admire 50 Cent after reading this book and the lessons taught to you in this is worth its weight in gold.  The book is brutally honest and it make you think and it has changed my life, forever.  I highly recommend this book.

3: THE ART OF WAR by Sun Tzu--  A great book on strategy and a military classic that has been read by the most powerful people since it has been published.  The lessons are powerful and you learn to think strategically and when implemented, you will see the effects it has on your life and the control you will have by thinking strategically.  It is a military strategy book, but you can apply the lessons to almost any situation, just be innovative and creative on how the lessons can be applied to different situations.

4: The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli--  Another classic that demonstrates the power of influence in politics and business.  An intelligent strategic approach to influencing others and controlling situations.  I have read this book more than 3 times and have learned different things, during different parts of my life.  A great handbook to have and apply.

5: How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie--  I remember picking up this book and devouring it while I was in the 8th grade.  During that time, I really wanted to be more popular and have more influence with my circles of friends.  This book really opened my eyes and taught me lessons that I use till this day.  A great book to keep and reference every few years or so.

Bonus: The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader: Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow-- Power and influence has a lot to do with leadership skills, and a book that I have been still reading for the past year is from John C. Maxwell.  I picked up an out of copy collection that included 3 books in one, but the lessons taught in these pages will help you gain more power by developing your leadership skills and learning what it takes to have people WANT to follow you.

These books sit on my office desk and I reference them quite often.  If you are looking for a few books to develop your influence and build upon your leadership skills, then these 6 books are for you.  Even though it has a lot to do with strategy, warfare and possibly negative connotations are associated to them.... especially the word, power, but it really depends on how you use that power. 

  photo by:  shalawesome