Reading is not just a hobby but a lifestyle for millions of readers. This lifestyle can keep the mind and spirit active and increase the quality of life to the reader. Each reader must seek out their own reading material of choice. I have nothing against fiction, just not my forte.

Below is a brief sampling of the sort of books I have read and many of which I heartily recommend. There are millions of good books but I always look for recommendation from others with skills and knowledge I want to learn from.

If I recommend only 1 book for business

There are plenty of books to read that will aid a business person. One book in particular I recommend to start. I challenge you to read it with an open mind and willing to take it at face value. I wonder how many will understand after reading it why I recommend it.

  • Random Reminiscences of Men and Events by John D. Rockefeller

Fables and Stories for business

Narrative-fables are an unusual category of business books but I found two great examples. These books are told in narrative form of a fictitious company but with shockingly familiar to many - situations that make for unhealthy companies. Each story ends with real solutions and plans for getting back on track.

No-nonsense Business Books

These are the more traditional books for business.  All of them excellent reads and are strongly recommended.

  • Predictable Results in Unpredictable Times by Stephen R. Covey, Bob Whitman, Breck England
    The most timely of the recent books I have read. This great book gives guidance for the companies struggling in the "new economy". It clearly redefines the realities of doing more with less - in a way way I did not expect.
  • Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done by Larry Bossidy, Ram Charan, Charles Burck
    We have our lists, our tasks our goals. This book goes straight for "getting things done. a challange to managers to honestly and realistically look at their organizations and how they run their companies.
  • No Man's Land: A Survival Manual for Growing Midsize Companies by Doug Tatum
    So many company leaders have beaten the odds and made something come alive from a small dream or vision to a living organism called "a company". But nearly as many fail to help their organization go to the next level. This book offers a roadmap through the "no man's land" between small and medium and even large companies. This map is challenging but there are no shortcuts.
  • Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter by Liz Wiseman, Greg Mckeown
    Anyone can be a boss. Being a manager or supervisor is tough but doable. To really do the best for your team and your company - you need to become a Multiplier. Find out what one is and how to recognize one. And beware the warning signs of the opposite - a diminisher.
  • The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization by Peter Senge
    Bordering on the sort of pop trends of the 90s, the Learning Organization is about building companies and cultures that live and grow by learning. Systems thinking lets you look at the interaction of the parts to be sure that a change in one area does not break the system.