I try to share a reading list from time to time to encourage those that are interested to see and learn more for themselves.
One of the repeating themes is that one way to improve your own life, is to help others improve theirs. To give generously because that’s when you are most empowered. So to that end, I share whenever I can as much of the hope and excitement for life as I have been able to find for myself. Already it has opened doors and I hope as you open some of these books, you may help yourself find your light.
Business
- Good to Great by Jim Collins
- A popular business book describing what makes some businesses successful. There are millions of “good” companies out there, but what makes an individual company break away from the pack. This book is not just thoughts and theory but serious study worth of a scholarly journal but readable for the business professional looking to grow.
- The Fifth Discipline by Peter M. Senge
- The author explores the concept of the Learning organization – one that is built on the principle that just as people learn, an organization can take on the practice as a means to survive an grow. With examples of why and how a company’s very existence is dependent upon its ability to learn and respond to changing conditions and an awareness of the market and sales trends.
- Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
- This excellent book on some of the plagues of the corporate team is told in fable form and is one of several great books in the same format. The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive and others use this framework for setting examples of bad behaviors in business and there affects. It then offers constructive examples of responding to each issue and slow walks the reader to build their own strategies.
Individual
- The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino
- A quick 2 -4 hour read but VERY powerful. Its a “fable” format but the scrolls in it are very helpful. The books talk about sales but the message is about impact and effectiveness not just turning a sale. Described as a quick read but you may want to give yourself some time to think on the latter chapters. Each short chapter packs some valuable things to consider. If you like it, follow up “The Greatest Miracle in the World” by the same author.
- The Noticer by Andy Andrews
- This is a great read for rounding out the individual with personal skills that work for all areas of life. Andrews is able to wrap up a story about a young man in Gulf Shores, Alabama who gets some life changing advice from a kind stranger. As the story unfolds, the whole community encounters more of this kindly Mr. Jones, and the same simple principle is applied in a wide variety of life situations.
- The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews
- A 15-20 minute you could read in one sitting in the library. The story of one person’s impact on millions that started from a long series of similar chains. See how one person can save a billion lives.
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
To learn more about starting a quick reading program that helps you get on track to your own professional development we would be happy to provide more information. Contact us here, at RPS for more information.