One of the most common questions that I get is, “Hey Scott what are you reading?” It is true that I love to read and I firmly believe that readers are leaders. One of the best things you can do for yourself is read good books.
I just got back from my annual two week beach vacation and read 10 books while hanging out at the beach. Here is a list of a few of the better ones that I thought added value:
1. Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else. An amazing book written by Geoffrey Colvin that challenges conventional wisdom about talent. A growing body of scientific research shows that specific natural abilities don’t explain great performance, but rather the key is what researchers call deliberate practice – but beware, because it isn’t what most of us do when we think we’re practicing. It’s a well-defined set of activities that world-class performers pursue diligently. More of it equals better performance. Tons of it equals great performance.
2. The Mentor Leader - Secrets to Building People and Teams That Win Consistently. This is a wonderful leadership book written by Super Bowl winning coach Tony Dungy. Anyone that wants to become a better mentor leader should pick up this book.
3. Invaluable: The Secret to Becoming Irreplaceable. An enjoyable book written by Dave Crenshaw. The book is an engaging business fable that empowers the frustrated and overworked person to better understand what their time is worth and how they can spend it more effectively.
4. Absolute Certainty – How to Give Your Clients Exactly What They Want. This is a great book written by John Haylock of New Zealand. John sent me this book to review. It is a compelling story about the importance of providing your customers with certainty in price and service.
5. The Commencement – 8 Challenging Guidelines for Advancing Your Business and Career. My good friend Gary Langmuir sent me this book which was written by his board member Dan Sinnott. It too is an interesting story about a wise gentleman invited to give a commencement address and shared many life lessons that we all need to hear.
I have a couple of good books loaded on my Kindle that I hope to read in the next few weeks. I also try to always keep my Shelfari up to date with what I have read and what I am reading. Feel free to let me know what books you are reading this summer.
Just bought Absolute Certainty on my Kindle - intrigued by your description. I might ultimately hit your entire list here.
Posted by: JoelUngar | July 13, 2011 at 09:12 PM
Thanks for the suggestions Scott. I ordered a couple from Amazon!
Posted by: Jan Davis | July 14, 2011 at 11:46 AM