Your Summer Reading List – how about business books?

This January, my daughter Victoria and I decided to read the Bible. By February, she had finished. I was still at Genesis Chapter 10. I wondered why, since I am a fast reader. “Mummy, your problem is that you read and analyse everything. I just read it like literature”. Wise child.

It’s summer … and thoughts turn to your summer reading list, which typically features works of literature. But how about adding some business books? What better time to absorb the wisdom of business and leadership gurus than when you are relaxed, far away from the office with time on your hands? Here are a few of my favourite books to check out this summer:

A Sense of Urgency by John Kotter – I really love Kotter’s thinking and writing. He writes simply, concisely and is therefore very easy to read. In this book, he tells us what “urgency” is, why it is important and how, as a leader, you can create a sense of TRUE urgency.

Uncommon Service by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss – I found this book last year, attracted by the smiley faces on the cover. It totally blew my mind, as the authors share their Four Truths of Uncommon (exceptional) service. Just the first one freaked me out – You can’t be good at everything, so choose what you are going to do badly.

The Leader Who Had No Title by Robin Sharma – Robin is a wonderful storyteller and he uses this gift to share his thoughts about leadership. Definitely a read for lazy days by the pool.

The Art of Medicine by Dr. Herbert Ho Ping Kong – a book on medicine on my list? Yes. This book, so well written, full of stories that we can relate to (we have all interacted with doctors) is not just for doctors. Dr. Ho Ping Kong shares his approach to his patients, and I got valuable insights into how to listen to your patients (customers) and to your own intuition. The Art of Medicine could easily be the Art of Leadership.

And then there are autobiographies and biographies:

Nelson Mandela – THE ultimate leader who shows us the power of forgiveness, something in short supply in leadership.
Steve Jobs – haven’t read it yet, but will ……
And any other leader who you admire (or don’t – lessons there too)

Relax and read your business books as literature – no underlining, highlighting or note-taking. Just read and enjoy.

TAKE ONE ACTION

Make sure you take a vacation this summer – even just a few days. Take time to do something for yourself that relaxes and reenergises you.

INTERESTING LINKS

You may find it difficult to take a week or two for summer vacation. How about taking a YEAR? Check out this TED talk by Stefan Sagmeister who takes a year’s sabbatical every 7 years.
– click to watch video

And over at Zappos, Tony Hsieh has abolished bosses! Since it seems that few people actually like their bosses, this may not be a bad idea at all! Could a “holacracy” work for your organization? Better yet, ask yourself how you could make it work.
– click to view article