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.