Hi Everyone.I thought I'd ask about non-fiction books you're currently reading or would recommend.
I think Tina mentioned a book by Richard Branson (was it Business Stripped Bare?--I remembered Branson's name, but not the title). If that's the book, would you recommend it?
One of two books I've enjoyed recently is Switch (2010) by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. It's a quick read, filled with some interesting examples of individuals who made significant changes in their organizations and communities.
Another book I enjoyed was Predictably Irrational (2010) by Dan Ariely. This is another quick read about all the irrational behaviors we have and the bad decisions we make and why.
So, if you'd like, share what non-fiction books you've read and enjoyed.
Note: For the above books, I've added links to Amazon.com in case you want to read more about them. The links are not referral links (some links give rewards to the referring site).
You have a great memory Bob. I was referring to Business Stripped Bare. It is another quick read and can easily be set down and picked back up. I don't agree completely with Richard Branson, but I find his writing style engaging and his lessons on communicating and leadership to be thought-provoking. I haven't read his earlier books, but will likely go back and so soon.
ReplyDeleteMany of the non-fiction books I read are more politically or socially oriented. However, I am a voracious reader, so as I pick up new books that seem relevant to IE, I will post about them.
I will check out Switch and Predictably Irrational. I am looking forward to what other suggestions participants have for good non-fiction reads.
I wish my memory was that good. That post originated from Randall.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I won't have anything substantive to add to this discussion; while I love to read it is very rarely non-fiction (well, maybe my recipe books could be considered non-fiction). But perhaps reading Maxwell's book, and hearing what others in the group are reading, will spur me on to start reading such books.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I can understand Tina thinking Bob posted ... if the person doesn't sign his/her name on their message, it isn't always clear to see who initiated a post except the very faint gray final line "Posted by ...". At least the comments are easy to identify authors as it leads with "Name said...".
Great idea, Randall. I have not done a lot of reading, but would like to begin. This is a great list to start!
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ReplyDeleteI would also recommend the book Switch. I read it the past summer and thought it was great. It provides some great insights on how to create change when there may be resistance. I think they would agree with President Lefton that resistance is futile!
ReplyDeleteAnother book I would recommend is Good to Great by Jim Collins. Maxwell mentions him in one of the first two chapters. While the book is an analysis of what makes a company great (as compared to good), there is a wealth of insight on leadership.
I don't know if you would want to read this book cover-to-cover, unless you own a business. But it has some great points and a really interesting and refreshing philosophy. It's called, Out of the Crisis, by W.E. Deming (1986).
ReplyDeleteDeming was this amazingly brilliant man with degrees in electrical engineering, math, and I believe, physics as well. He was all about total quality management in companies and is well-known for his work with motor companies. Deming's philosophy was that quality, in all aspects of the job, needed to be top-down, starting with the pres/ceo all the way down to the janitors (FYI - I am so not demeaning a job as a janitor - I used to be a maid at Howard Johnson's & it was hard work - just going with Deming's examples). Anyway, Deming didn't really "hit it big" in the US (i.e. General Motors) until he was in his 80's, but was extremely popular in Japan (i.e. Toyota)throughout his early years. Deming worked miracles for the companies who listened to his philosophy on management and actually implemented the principles (think Toyota in the early 90's). And it's really interesting to see what happens to the companies when new leadership takes over and implements their own management philosophy rather than sticking with what has worked in the past (think Toyota & GM today with all the recalls/bailouts - again, nothing against Toyota or GM - my dad loves his Highlander and my husband has a Chevy - just a really good example).
Wow. What a great list of books to get started on. I ordered a few through OhioLink and will likely order more soon.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how many of you have used the KSU Libraries, but have a new service whereby, you can order a book online and have it delivered to your office. Below are directions and links:
You can first check to see if the books are available through KentLINK. If so, you can have the books delivered directly to your office. If the book is not available through KentLINK, there will be a button on the page for you to check to see if it is available through OhioLINK. If so, you also have the option of having OhioLINK (books delivered from other Libraries) delivered right to your office.
Here are the links:
https://www.library.kent.edu/bookdelivery
http://www.library.kent.edu/page/10000
Let me know if you have any questions. If I don't know the answer, I likely know who to ask.
Tina
Tina, thanks for the great information on the library! I didn't know the library had a delivery service - definitely something that I will take advantage of. Thanks!
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