Sizing People Up, Robin Dreeke
Sizing People Up, Robin Dreeke
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Sizing People Up
A Veteran FBI Agent's User Manual for Behavior Prediction

Author: Robin Dreeke, Cameron Stauth

Narrator: Robin Dreeke

Unabridged: 7 hr 30 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Published: 01/21/2020


Synopsis

A former FBI agent shares his simple but powerful toolkit for assessing who you can trust--and who you can't.

After two decades as a behavior analyst in the FBI, Robin Dreeke knows a thing or two about sizing people up. He's navigated complex situations that range from handling Russian spies to navigating the internal politics at the Bureau. Through that experience, he was forced to develop a knack for reading people--their intentions, their capabilities, their desires and their fears.

Dreeke's first book, It's Not All About "Me," has become a cult favorite with readers seeking to build quick rapport with others. His last book, The Code of Trust, was about how to inspire trust in others as a leader. In Sizing People Up, Dreeke shares his simple, six-step system that helps you predict anyone's future behavior based on their words, goals, patterns of action, and the situation at hand.

Predicting the behavior of others is an urgent need for anyone whose work involves relationships with others, whether it's leading an organization, collaborating with a teammate, or closing a sale. But predictability is not as simple as good and evil, or truth and fiction. Allies might make a promise with every intention of keeping it, not realizing that they will be unable to do so due to some personal shortcoming. And those seeking to thwart your endeavor may not realize how reliable their malevolent tells have become.

Dreeke's system is simple, but powerful. For instance, a colleague might have a strong moral code, but do they believe your relationship will be long-term? Even the most upstanding person can betray your trust if they don't see themselves tied to you or your desired result in the long term. How can you determine whether someone has both the skill and will to do what they've said they're going to do? Behaviors as subtle as how they take notes will reveal their reliability.

Using this book as their manual, readers will be able to quickly and easily determine who they can trust and who they can't; who is likely to deliver on promises and who will disappoint; and when a person is vested in your success vs when they are actively plotting your demise. With this knowledge they can confidently embark on anything from a business venture to a romantic relationship to a covert operation without the stress of the unknown.

About The Author

Robin Dreeke entered federal law enforcement in 1997, after graduating from the US Naval Academy and serving in the US Marine Corps. He received advanced training and operational experience in social psychology and in the practical application of the science of relationship development. Eventually he rose to direct the behavioral analysis program in a federal law enforcement agency. Dreeke recently retired as an agent of the FBI. He is the author of It's Not All About "Me."Cameron Stauth is the author or co-author of more than twenty books, including several national and international bestsellers.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Andres on August 14, 2021

Mostly awful. Have not been able to get anything useful out of this book. The author talks vaguely about everything, but interestingly when it comes to Russia, he gets highly emotional and opinionated and tries to show how incompetent the Russian GRU/FSB secret services are, how terrible the governm......more

Goodreads review by Spencer on April 24, 2023

Normally, I would avoid a book with such a low rating. I might start reading more since this one piqued my interest, and I took a chance. The introduction is quite long, and the background could have been shortened. I think the author was trying to make a comparison of what trust meant before 9/11. P......more

Goodreads review by Quinns on July 23, 2020

If you learn to identify the subtle behavioural differences between the trustworthy and the deceitful, you could confidently enter into any relationship and sidestep betrayal. To the author, predicting human behaviour is not difficult. It is not a matter of faith and guesswork. Instead, it is purely......more

Goodreads review by Alex on December 31, 2023

'Sizing People Up' is the best business & leadership book I've read this year. In fact, it's one of the best nonfiction books I've read this year. Robin Dreeke, a USNA classmate whom I don't know personally, is a retired FBI agent and former head of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (the unit portrayed in......more

Goodreads review by David on August 28, 2021

This was the second time I read it, this time on kindle. I had listened to it previously. Sometimes the stories get stretched and reemphasize points too much. Overall well written though and worth your time if you want to learn more about how to understand people better.......more


Quotes

“An indispensable contribution to the field from a master practitioner. If your work would benefit from knowing what people will do next, this book is your new must-have.”
Joe Navarro, author of What Every Body Is Saying
 
“Dreeke’s to-the-point style, humility, and occasional flashes of humor make for an enjoyable and illuminating work.”
Publishers Weekly
 
“I have known Robin for over a decade and I still learn things from him that amaze me. This new work is his best. It has gripping stories, actionable tips and is a wonderful read.”
Christopher Hadnagy, author of Social Engineering
 
“Knowing how to read people is an essential skill everyone should have in their arsenal. Robin Dreeke is your guide to spotting discrepancies and protecting yourself. He gives you a simple, but powerful system you can use in all of your relationships.”
Vanessa Van Edwards, author of Captivate
 
“The definitive framework for spotting who you can trust—and who you can’t.”
Shane Parrish, founder of Farnam Street
 
“This book is a super practical guide to building the strong, trusting relationships you need to lead a team, start a business, or raise a family. Two huge likeable thumbs up from me for this must-read!”
Dave Kerpen, author of The Art of People
 
“Sizing People Up is the best class on human behavior that you never got. This book is a marriage of a deep, data-driven understanding of human nature and practical, results-driven advice. It's book-smart meets street-smart. And it's a whole lot of fun, too.”
Jay Phelan, co-author of Mean Genes
 
"Whether you’re on your way up the ladder of success, or already there, the information and tools in this book will help you navigate through business relationships, forge win-win alliances and achieve your short and long term goals.”
David Shaw, President & Founder, Quantum Health

“The illustrative anecdotes buried inside the instruction are exciting and insightful, and will attract thriller fans.”

-Nashville Ledger and Rushville Republican