Often who you are as a person is defined by the knowledge you have and the theory and concepts that you live by. Over the years I have read many books that have helped define who I am both personally and professionally. The list below is a sampling of some of my favorites.
Tell Me How I am Doing - Richard Williams
This books describes the importance of providing feedback to those around you. Williams explains what can happen when feedback is denied, and then offers step-by-step guidance for making feedback an integral part of all working and personal relationships.
No Man's Land - Doug Tatum
This book does a great job explaining how companies end up in an adolescence stage and what they need to work on to move beyond it. Tatum enables decision-makers to complete a series of reality checks to measure the effectiveness of their business' market alignment, management competence, business model, and allocation of resources which allows readers to understand how to push through No Man's Land.
Freakanomics - Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner
This is not your ordinary economics book. Instead this book focus's on more real-world issues, like whether reading to your baby will make her a better student and analyzing data from a Chicago drug-dealer.
Who Moved My Cheese - Spencer Johnson and Kenneth Blanchard
Change is inevitable and can be a blessing or a curse, depending on your perspective. This book talks about ways of reacting to change, anticipating change, and letting go of the old.
Common Nonsense - Andy Rooney
I have been watching Rooney on TV since I was a child but this is my first exposure to his writings. Rooney writes about some fascinating ideas that require reflection over time. Rooney's stories are short, two the point and entirely his opinion.
The Accidental Leader - Harvey Robbins
What do you do if you walk into work one day and suddenly you are in charge? Robbins gives a checklist and guidance to be able to get organized and set direction for people to act.
Why Teams Don't Work - Harvey Robbins
This book present the real-life lessons of teamwork that most of us have learned the hard way. The book talks about how teams really are, not how they are supposed to be.
Crucial Conversations - Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler
Life is full of difficult situations that require not-so-fun conversations with the people around us, at work, school or home. This book will discuss how to handle difficult interpersonal situations with poise and skill.
First Break All The Rules - Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman
In this book will explain why exceptional managers select employees for talent, not experience, intelligence, or determination. Effective managers define the right outcomes for people, not the right steps; they focus on developing employee strengths, they find the right fit for employees in the organization.
The Millionaire Next Door - Thomas Stanley & William Danko
Financially successful people choose to do work that is economically rewarding. Rather than spending their money on expensive cars or designer clothing, they choose to save and invest it, focusing on relationships with family and friends.
