Writing a book requires that one reads books and does enough research to make his or her book well, interesting… Anyone can write a book but to write a ‘great’ book requires talent, time and practice.
In my quest to write a ‘Great’ book I have been inspired by great writers.
I was pleased to hear that one of my coaching clients who had attended my presentation on setting 2016 Objectives wanted to use his iPhone to take a picture of a recent book that I was reading, called What got you here won’t get you there, by Marshall Goldsmith.
I asked him – why the interest? He said ‘because Paul at your last speech you showed us the importance of setting objectives and your objective for 2016 was to read one book per month. I liked that idea and ever since hearing you I too, want to read more!’
What a nice compliment that my messages to reach out and help people had some traction and was actually working! Another colleague suggested that I post my favorite book list. The benefit here is that I can emphasize the books that have helped me and perhaps help others learn, address change or improve their leadership skills. What a great idea!
Here is my top 20 list with a short summary/reason as to why you should consider them:
1) What color is your parachute? Richard Nelson Bolles. This is a classic in identifying your skills. If you think you know what are your skills are, think again. Do the exercise that Richard suggests. It’s an investment in YOU and you won’t be sorry.
2) Influence, The psychology of persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini PhD. This is a great book for Sales and Marketing teams.
3) The power of Now, Eckart Tolle. This is a great book on spirituality without any religious overtones. Tolle gives you tips on how to get control of your life, outcomes and stress – I use his tips dally! If you like this book you will enjoy even more…
4) A new Earth, Eckart Tolle. Again spirituality with really cool hints on how to master your life. I strongly recommend both books; they are bit dry at the beginning but get useful once you get used to his style.
5) Rich dad, poor dad, Robert T. Kiyosaki. I like Robert’s modest style. This is not a ‘Get rich quick’ book or scheme. He fundamentally believes in raising the level of education when in comes to personal finance. Read this one first then…
6) Cashflow quadrant by Robert T. Kiyosaki, and Guide to Investing by Robert T. Kiyosaki.
7) Perfect pitch by Jon Steel, this is great for the Adverting agency crowd but not only – great book on how to make great client-winning presentations.
8) Super Freakonomics by Stephen D. Levitt and Stephen J.Dubner. Great book on trends and unusual statistics. It makes you go…Huh!? Fun read and certainly gives Marketing specialists some creative ways to get customer insights.
9) Your Brain and Business: The Neuroscience of Great Leaders, Srini Pillay M.D. Srini was my teacher and is a master and authority on Brain Science. Finally someone unlocks the code as why we behave in such ways in business (because of brain patterns) and he describes how to address change and to improve team performance.
10) Life Unlocked: 7 Revolutionary Lessons to Overcome Fear, Srini Pillay M.D. We all have self-doubt and fear. Srini’s second book unravels how to deal with fear, stress and anxiety, an area where Srini is recognized worldwide.
11) How to win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie. If you don’t know Carnegie, this will be a wonderful introduction to an icon. The book was written in 1936 and the concepts that he describes then are still ‘alive and well’ today. If you like this one you will certainly treasure another classic from the same author…
12) How to stop worrying and start living, Dale Carnegie
13) Smarter Pricing, Tony Cram. Good interesting tips on a somewhat dry topic – Pricing. He kept my interest and I have used his insights for the MBA classes I teach in Marketing.
14) Exponential Marketing by Paul Garrison. This is THE book on segmentation. Paul is CEO Garrison Group, novel writer and Ivy League Professor at Dartmouth College. Learn from this former exec at Coca Cola and P&G.
15) 7 habits of highly effective people, Stephen R. Covey. No nonsense, no hype, plain common sense to effectiveness. I instructed my marketing team once to read this book and to apply/follow his suggestions. I quote his book every time I present to audiences.
16) The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell, Back Bay books, 2000
17) Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman
18) Drive, Daniel Pink, Cannon Gate 2009
19) What got you here won’t get you there, Marshall Goldsmith, Hyperion Press,2007
20) The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Patrick Lencioni, Jossey Bass, 2002
Finally, here are some books on my radar:
1) 4 day work week, Tim Ferris
2) The art of the start, Guy Kawasaki (former Apple soft evangelist)
3) The present, Spencer Johnson
I hope that these books help you find happiness, they help you improve your relationships and they guide you in finding meaning to your life.
It is what we think we know already that often prevents us from learning.
Claude Bernard (1813-1878)
Physiologist
If you want some video inspiration, check out my TEDx talk!
You can find it here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe_3VLI-LEA