I know this is is aimed at consultants, but all of us are consultants, so long as we have to negotiate a work relationship with someone else. And Block shows you how to do this in a clear, engaging way that may have a profound impact on your life.
I have had a copy of this book in all its iterations. I use the current edition in a course I teach. The feedback from the students is that this "soft" stuff is far more useful to them than the technical part of the class--because they realize that most of the obstacles to their work involve people more than actual technical problems.
Some people dismiss this book because it is so "soft." But it is really filled with excellent advice (even scripting conversations for you). And, more importantly, it asks you to confront your own sense of "victimhood." People have choices. You have choices. Your client (or boss) has choices. Make yours. Let your boss make hers (his). And then do the best you can. This sounds simple. But just try it sometime. You will feel like the bravest person you can imagine--and you will be just that.
And once you have absorbed that most important lesson, all the rest of the book will fall into place for you. And Block is an engaging writer. You will enjoy the journey.
I can't recommend this book enough.