Don’t Do Business with Dicks: How to Ditch Toxicity and Align Yourself with Positive Influences

“The secret to success isn’t being the smartest person in the room. It’s being the kindest one with the clearest compass,” asserts sports executive Meltzer (Game-Time Decision Making) in this refreshing business guide. The book draws on advice Meltzer was given when he was negotiating a $900 million deal to return the NFL’s St. Louis Rams to Los Angeles as CEO of Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment (the agency that inspired the film Jerry Maguire). Company founder Steinberg told him, “David, always be fair. Don’t negotiate to the last penny, and don’t do business with dicks.” This experience helped the author develop four core values that guide his personal and professional relationships: empathy and forgiveness, gratitude, accountability, and effective communication. These traits, he says, “act like a magnet,” attracting people who bring out one’s best. Throughout, he emphasizes self-care as foundational and strategic; forgiveness, for example, isn’t about forgetting or excusing others’ behaviors, but “choosing peace over pain.” Most of Meltzer’s advice is rooted in entertaining anecdotes, such as an exchange with former MLB pitcher Vida Blue that taught him to view the past with reverence and humor. He occasionally refers to research, but, unfortunately, provides few details or citations. Still, business leaders will find this a practical resource. (Feb.)