It’s about time to wrap up the Lifehack Great Big Summer Giveaway, and we’ve got a gorgeous leather laptop bag from Sports Accessories to wrap it up with. And since you’re bound to have some space left in the bag, we’ll throw in a $100 Amazing gift credit from the folks at Ubernote so you can fill it up with books (or whatever).
Last week, I asked what your favorite books are for relaxing with on a summer day. This week, I want to know what your favorite work-related books are: your favorites on business, entrepreneurship, marketing, project management, administration, innovation – anything that helps you help your organization run more efficiently, more productively, or more profitably.
Sports Accessories Business/Laptop Case
We opened our Summer Giveaway with a bag from Ellen Hart’s CareerBags.com. Today’s prize is a sort of bookend to that one; Ellen worked as a bag designer for years before starting CarrerBags.com, and Sports Accessories bags are her babies.
You won’t find better-looking business cases on the market. Like the 2 Gusset Leather Computer Briefcase pictured here.Reinforced corners, steel ring-reinforced handle and shoulder strap attachments, push-lock clasps for security, pockets for documents, cell phone or reading glasses, pens and pencils — everything you could want or need in a business case, stell feet to protect the bottom, all wrapped up in a stylish design.
But what sets these bags apart is not just their tasteful looks, it’s the leather itself. Sports Accessories bags — and all their leather products — are made of the same leather as Rawlings baseball gloves. So you know it’s long-lasting leather that will improve — in look and feel — with age. You know it’s tough — it has to be to stand up to a 100-mph fastball! And it has that "certain something" that your favorite baseball glove has, which is why they call it "the ultimate guy’s computer bag" (though I venture that more than a few women will live it too!). (Retail price: $200-400)
UberNote Never Forgets
Today’s winner will also receive their choice of books from Amazon (via a $100 gift credit), courtesy of the developers of UberNote online web notes.
UberNote is a free online service that lets you save, share, and access notes from anywhere. With the Firefox Toolbar or UberNote bookmarklets, you can clip web content and add notes to it as well. Notes can be added via email, AOL Instant Messenger, and SMS text message, and accessed using any mobile browser, giving you true on-the-go access even when you’re away from your computer. And soon you’ll even be able to store document attachments along with your notes, making it a true one-stop depository for everything you need to remember.
The folks at UberNote already give you all that for FREE, but they wanted to give Lifehack readers even more. SO they’ve offered a $100 Amazon gift credit to a lucky winner, to hoping you’ll stock up on some great books. By the way, if you really want to get the most out of your reading, you’ll probably want to take some notes — I know a great service…
How do you win?
In a perfect world, I’d just keep tday’s prizes for myself, but apparently that’s not how it works. Instead, we’ll give both prizes away to one lucky winner, chosen by random draw. To enter, tell us the title of your favorite business-related book, and why it’s your favorite, in the comments on this post.
I’m going to be incredibly unoriginal here in declaring The Cluetrain Manifesto as my favorite. Cluetrain gave me the first inkling that marketing — indeed, business in general — didn’t have to be sleazy, that it could be personal and friendly and about relationships and not just about consumption. So that’s my answer — what’s yours?
Make sure you enter a valid email address where asked – it won’t be shared publicly and we never send spam.
Entry for this contest will close at 12 NOON, PST, on Friday, the 5th of September. Winners will be chosen by random drawing – entries will not be judged. I will compile the best advice for a future post on reader’s recommendations, so by entering you give Lifehack permission to quote your comment. The prize will be sent direct from our sponsor.
That’s all folks!
I don’t know about you, but I’m bushed! 10 giveaways in 10 days, for great prizes from great people. And the response has been amazing — 100s of you have entered, and you’ve left some great advice for the rest of the Lifehack community to learn from. I’ll be compiling some of this advice in posts to come throughout September.
Don’t forget to enter the rest of the contests from this week in the Lifehack Great Big Summer Giveaway. I’ll be drawing winners for the first week’s contests over the weekend, and will announce winners at the beginning of next week. The second week’s winners will be drawn the following weekend.
I hope you’ve had as much fun as I have. I want to thank all of our great sponsors, and I hope you’ll pay them all a visit and give them your patronage. Their generosity made the Lifehack Great Big Summer Giveaway possible, and their products will make your life better. Guaranteed.
“Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In” by Roger Fisher, Bruce M. Patton, and William L. Ury.
It’s a negotiation book — useful both in business as in personal life.
If you’re interested in a summary, check here.
Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath Of all the business books that I’ve read this is the one where the principles have most sunk in and I’ve actually used them without my needing to take notes or try to remember. I finally bought my own copy and intend to read it again soon.
My favorite business book is The Fifth Discipline by Peter Senge. It is a great introduction to systems thinking, and I was introduced to other great writers (Robert Fritz for one)
I love The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt. It’s a “novel” about a local manufacturing facility facing a shutdown by Corporate and the protagonist has to learn some basic concepts on maximizing efficiency in the operations side as well as about how to evaluate decisions in context of the “goal”. Read the book (it’s breezy, but a little amateurish in style) for more.
The author also has other books out about the Theory of Constraints, the main theory behind the “goal”, and I find them interesting and eye-opening!
http://www.amazon.com/Goal-Process-Ongoing-Improvement/dp/0884271781/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220029495&sr=1-1
Obviously Getting Things Done tops the list, but other than that, I’d have to say _Buying In: The Secret Dialogue Between What We Buy and Who We Are_ by Rob Walker. There are other books on marketing that have more practical advice or that have a larger or more groundbreaking conceptual framework.
And its combination of case studies, social science and author anecdotes and musings isn’t all that unique.
But the combination of all those elements and the narrative threads found in _Buying In_ along with Walker’s casual but precise style led to a dialogue between me as a consumer, me as a marketer, me as a cultural critic and the book that was incredibly interesting and fruitful and continues.
I can’t say I have a current favorite, but I thought this looked interesting: The Wisdom of Crowds: Why the Many Are Smarter Than the Few and How Collective Wisdom Shapes Business, Economies, Societies and Nations
I work in risk management. For me, Peter Bernstein’s “Against the Gods” is not only interesting as history and philosophy, but also an inspiration.
My favorite is “The Dip”, by Seth Godin, because it reminds me of the importance of excelence in what we love to do and because it inspires me to try harder and be “the best of the world”.
“Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why”
by Laurence Gonzales
Notionally a book about wilderness survival, this book explains in great detail the mindsets and mental habits that separate those that survive a situation from those that don’t. And you know what? It’s every bit as applicable to the business world (or your personal life) as it is to the outdoors…
So many mistakes I’d made in the past came into sharp focus after reading this book – it’s now my first place to turn when I hit a roadbump of any kind.
I’ll back up the previous suggestion of “Wisdom of Crowds”. Another book that I really liked recently was “The Brand Gap” by Marty Neumeier.
I know this is a cliche, but the book that changed how I do business is Getting Things Done By David Allen.
If I were to list another, it would be the 2 book set “Getting Past No” and “Getting to Yes”. They are both by William L. Ury (among others in the ensemble cast). I got them as part of a negotiating class my job mandated. Very interesting and worth the read.
My favourite business book is 孫子兵法 (The Art of War) by Sūn Zǐ Bīng Fǎ. Even it is older than 2500 years, Sunzi wrote things done not just helpful to lead wars ;-)but also to succeed today in this business world.
“The Art of the Start”
by Guy Kawasaki
I have an itch… to start something. I have been trying, failing, falling, delaying… but nonetheless, every time I read this book, it gives me a big boost. I also have a day job in a large corp, this book helps me there too.
Got a presentation to do – follow the 10-20-30 advice; no matter who the audience is.
My comment may be its first mention on this post but surely not the last: Jim Collins’ Good to Great. When our senior leaders’ bookclub read this four years ago at the nonprofit where I work, I didn’t know how incredibly relevant it would be to what we’re trying to accomplish. I turn to it again and again–interesting analysis and sticky concepts make it very usable.
Thanks–great contest!
–Garland | DomusKids.org
Orbiting the Giant Hairball – A great (entertaining and informative) read that has helped me refocus my career several times after I got too deeply entrenched in corporate America. Everyone should read it and it only takes an hour +/-.
Thanks and best of luck to everyone!
Adam
My favorite business book is Microtrends, written by Mark Penn, who was a pioneering pollster for President Clinton. Microtrends is about the small movements, small groups, and small cultures that are moving either against the grain of larger cultural change, or off blazing some entirely new trail altogether. The groups are all about 1% of the population, which sounds small but represents millions of people. And the groups range from Archery Moms (like soccer moms but focused on niche sports) to committed couples who maintain seperate homes.
The book is fantastic because while lots of business books will tell you that you need to look for these small groups and that niches are the key to success, very few tell you what niches to be looking for. Very few tell you what types of movements are going unnoticed, and what the characteristics of these smaller groups are.
It’s an excellent book for anyone who is looking to market a product, find talented people, or start a service targeted at filling very specific needs.
One of my recent favorites is “The NO A$$HOLE Rule” by Robert I. Sutton. It has helped me understand some of the people I work with (and for) and how to deal with them, even if I am only in a position of influence, not necessarily power.
My favorite book is “If You Think You Can” by TJ Hoisington. I think it is fitting in the business and personal arenas, and I highly recommend it.
I’m a big fan of Alan Weiss and his various books on consulting. One of my favorites is “Value Based Fees: How to Charge and Get What You’re Worth”. Even though I’m a freelance programmer and not an organizational consultant like Weiss, I found a lot of great material in his book.
The World is Flat, it allowed me to think more about the current work environment and come up with solutions for me.
As a broadcaster, “Made To Stick” is next on the list. As far as a book I’ve already read, it’d have to be “Pyromarketing” by Greg Stielstra. We’ve based several promotional campaigns on his methods with great success.
1. Find the driest tender.
2. Light it with a match.
3. Fan the flames.
4. Save the coals.
Read it. You’ll sure be glad you did.
“Never Eat Alone” – brings about the idea that I’ve always suspected but never could articulate: Its all about relationships. Not just self-serving ones that gives such a sour taste to the word “networking”, but how one goes about meeting people and helping them out for everybodys gain
I want to give a shout out to Tim Ferris’s 4-Hour Work Week. Its not your typical business book but it helped open some eyes around the office to a different view of work. I wish I had this when I was 20 (and Ferris would no doubt see that comment as a worthless excuse for not doing it now at 50!)
“The Dilbert Principle” by Scott Adams. It helps to keep the nonsense around me in perspective.
“The Dip” was the last business book I read, but if we’re talking favorites, just about any of Andrew Tobias’s finance books are at the top of my list. “Getting By on $100,000 a Year and Other Sad Tales” is probably my first pick of Tobias’s that I’ll re-read occasionally.
“Manage It! Your Guide to Modern, Pragmatic Project Management” by Johanna Rothman is such a great summary of project management methods, and it is practical, not theoretical. Highly recommended
Got Game: How the Gamer Generation Is Reshaping Business Forever
by John C. Beck and Mitchell Wade
I have a lot of younger people work for me, many of whom are gamers. This book helped me learn how to manage them and direct them so that we are able to achieve regular success.
i’m not much on business books b/c i’m a programmer but Getting Things Done has really helped me be more productive.
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is one of the best business books ever written. Business is essentially dealing with other people, so the lessons are applicable to coworker interactions, customer interactions, and social networking.
Joel Osteen’s Become a Better You. I love this book for it’s perspective on life and how to approach problems and life in general. Not just great for work but for your entire life.
Shalom Dustin,
Two books: my copy of The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare and Time Power by Charles Hobbs.
Contained within the first is everything anyone ever needs to know about human interactions, the soul of all business.
For more than 20 years I have depended upon my ragged copy of the second and Hobbs’s concepts of Universal Principles, Urgent vs. Vital and bringing your life into congruence
I work in new product development and I keep coming back to “Managing the Design Factory” by Don Reinertsen. The principles laid out in the book are timeless.
This is very trite, I know, but Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits series has helped me quite a bit. I have difficulty stepping back and grasping the big picture, defining life goals. 7 Habits is a good inspiration for that. I’m good at plugging away on things, and keeping busy, but I needed (and still need) help ensuring that I was doing the most important things.
Well of COURSE it’s “Getting Things Done” by David Allen. It’s a classic!
(I hope my comment shows up this time. I’ve commented on several posts this week and at least half of them never showed up.)
Shalom Dustin,
Two books: my copy of The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare and Time Power by Charles Hobbs.
Contained within the first is everything anyone ever needs to know about human interactions, the soul of all business.
For more than 20 years I have depended upon my ragged copy of the second and Hobbs’s concepts of Universal Principles, Urgent vs. Vital and bringing your life into congruence to live my life in as focused a way as I have ever discovered.
B’shalom,
Jeff Hess
[...] Summer Giveaway: Your Working Bookshelf Posted in Comments, Time Power: [...]
“The Brand You 50″ by Tom Peters.
Sure, the “You, Inc.” thing is a cliche now, but that’s in large part because everyone saw Peters’ point. I’ve read a bunch of good books lately that could qualify here, but Tom Peters still brings my head around and gets me to concentrate on things in a way other writers generally don’t. Also, since it has a lot of to-dos, it’s practical as well as big-picture.
The Art of War is the first to leap to mind, but John Locke’s Two Treatises of Government has served as an even greater tome of reference, for understanding the some of the absolute fundamentals behind modern Western economics.
The Dip” by Seth Godin is my favorite. It makes a lot of sense and I find it motivating.
I really like The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement by Eliyahu M. Goldratt and Jeff Cox.
Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham & Donald Clifton + Go Put Your Strenghts To Work by Marcus Buckingham. Got me to stop trying to fix my weaknesses and start using my strengths to achieve my personal and business goals.
Richard Marcinko, LEADERSHIP SECRETS OF THE ROGUE WARRIOR. It’s a hoot, and, taken with a grain of salt, has some good things to say, especially if you work in a team or hierarchical environment. A couple of my favorites of the “ten commandments” are: “Thou hast not to like it; thou just hast to do it.” and “Verily, thou art not paid for thy methods, but for thy results.”
When the touchy-feelie won’t work any longer, consult the Rogue Warrior!
“Getting to Yes.” I first read this when I was eleven- yes, really- because my dad thought I showed an aptitude for negotiation, and wanted to turn me from “snotty kid who argues a lot” to “bright kid who can eloquently state her case.” It’s been incredibly useful in just about every situation I can imagine- everything from customer service (both sides of the register) to dreaded relationship talks. It may not be glamorous, or trendy- but having read it, my life is easier and I can get more accomplished. Read “Getting to Yes” and you’ll be hacking your negotiations in no time. :)
My favorite business book is Patrick Lencioni’s “Death By Meeting.” I’ve been to a lot of bad meetings in my day, and Lencioni describes a way of conducting them which makes them productive and helpful, the way they’re supposed to be.
Has to be Getting Things Done by David Allen. While it’s boring in the sense that everyone knows about it, this is a book that will really change your view about to do lists forever.
The Daily Drucker, from Peter Druker. A book full of inspiring paragraphs, one for each day, making you think about what you are doing and should do.
Also any other from this author is fine, too
My favorite business book is called “Inspired: How To Create Products Customers Love” by Marty Cagan. It is the first book that really maps out how to create software products and about the Product Management discipline in general. I got really worked up reading it as it validated all of my experience, both good and bad. I bought copies for all my colleagues at work.
My favorite is Good to Great including the monograph for the social sector. This book does an awesome job of painting the picture of a great company. It has really helped the nonprofit organization I am involved with get on the right track.
Books are my business and my addiction, but books do not teach me about my business (odd isn’t that?) I would have to name journals instead – Library Journal and Booklist are two of the tools of the trade. For any future “business” I may find myself in – Perhaps this would be my handbook: A Ritual for Laypersons: Rites for Holy Communion and the Pastoral Care of the Sick and Dying.
As a Man Thinketh – by James Allen – applies well to business and personal matters
33 strategies of war. I guess.
i liked “the four hour work week” by tim ferriss a lot when i read it last year. not all of the ideas will be immediately relevant to everyone but the main principles really changed the way i live my life today… also, i remember reading a book called “raving fans” a while back that talks about the importance of creating fans and giving excellent customer service. both are great for small business owners. =)
Brand you 50 by Tom Peters
I’ve got quite a few I like, but the one that tops the list is “Talent Is Never Enough” by John C. Maxwell. It’s filled with inspiring stories and exercises to get you going in the right direction – I really got into it – and it wasn’t preachy, either.
It’s hard to pick just one. I like almost all of Seth Godin’s books; “Made to Stick” by Chip and Dan Heath; “Predictably Irrational” by Dan Ariely were all good.
But if you ask me to pick now, I’ve got to say its’ “The Pirate’s Dilemma” by Matt Mason. It’s a well-written, entertaining yet deep and insightful look at how the culture of piracy is changing business. A must-read for anyone looking to survive in the changing economy, in my opinion.
my current favorite is a not too old one: Scott Berkun’s “The myths of innovation”. Very refreshing and eye-opening into how innovation works
I love the Art of Innovation by Tom Kelly of Idea-fame. It’s amazing to see how Ideo came up with new solutions, and what those solutions are.
The One Minute Manager by Kenneth Blanchard. It is an easy read that easily articulates good management principles. I love the fact that it is focused on people and results. The two do go hand in hand.
This is liking asking a mom which child is her favorite :) I will have to say How to Win Friends and Influence People. It’s one of the first business books I read after graduating college and it stuck with me all these years.
My favourite so far is ‘The Intelligent Investor: A Book of Practical Counsel’ by Benjamin Graham. Why? Because it’s a classic and it gives us greatful readers a taste of philosophy in investing.. (Thanks for the prize, just in case..-))
“Organized for Success” by Stephanie Winston. A persobal study of CEOs what they all have in common… how they do it. Lots of interesting and helpful tips as well as a glimpse into how their minds work. Excellent read!
My all time favorite is “Getting Started in Consulting” by Alan Weiss. This book details so many fundamental disciplines associated with being successful in business. Alan is highly ethical and well respected within the industry. This book outlines strategies in finance, marketing/promotion, operations, and human resources. I have used this book as a guide and have referred to it often. I credit this book for helping me establish a business framework driven by strong ethics and establishing a solid value offering.
Rich Dad Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki. It inspired me confront my emotions/beliefs regarding money, buy a rental house, and start my own business.
“The No A****** Rule” by Robert Sutton. Helped me deal with a toxic work/study environment that was draining me of energy and motivation. Helped me to cope with a very difficult situation and I was able to focus on what actually mattered. Working, Learning and having fun.
Hands down “To Think and Grow Rich” by Napolean Hill. It may be a 70 yr old book but the mentality still applies to being successful today. Think Zen Habits made for the WW2 era but still applicable.
Honorable Mention: 48 Laws of Power, Influence by Robert Cialdini (Great look at the commonalities in all people that cause us to move at the speed others dictate, unbeknownst to us).
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable
It’s short, easy to read, and really helps to shed light on how to make a team work!
I like “The No Asshole Rule” by Robert L. Sutton. Hiring the right people and dealing with bad behavior is really step one in creating and maintaining an effective workplace. One real jerk can gum up the works for everyone, especially in small business. We all spend so much time at work, knowing how to prevent bringing these people in, or how to best deal with them if they’re already there is invaluable.
Second pick, “Taking On the System” by Markos Moulitsas. It’s not necessarily a business book, but there are lessons that can be well-applied to new solutions for business strategy.
“Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki.
An inspiring yet compelling book which has taught me to question my core values and judgments with personal finance and how following the way of modern business can lead you to ever more riches.
Not nessicarily a “Top tips to get rich, quick.” yet that it is the beauty of it!
“The Exceptional Presenter” by Koegel
- Helped to streamline my presentations
GTD by DA. I think everyone knows what this is and why I chose it.
Several of my favorites are mentioned above. One that is not:
Crucial Conversations
It is impossible to work without some sort of communication – and communication can be downright difficult. This is the best book I’ve found about how to have a tough conversation.
(another business book I can’t live without – my thesaurus!)
The 8th Habit by Covey solidifies all of the simple concepts that came before it. It offers something organic where GTD methodology remains mechanical. It is the difference between action and strategic action and understanding. However, the former must precede the latter.
“Customer Satisfaction is Worthless, Customer Loyalty is Priceless” by Jeffrey Gitomer. Maybe it is because I do customer service for a living, but Mr. Gitomer both motivates and reminds me why what I do is so valuable.
Rhythms of the Brain, by Gyorgy Buzsaki. It exposes we research psychologists to more mathematically rigorous ways of analyzing human behavior.
Groundswell by Li and Bernoff – every marketer should read it. It’s concrete and actionable with some great case studies to bring the points home.
Well, not a “business” book per se, but one I bet I’ve read a hundred times and learned something practical each pass… Small Unit Leadership – A Commonsense Approach, by Col Dandridge M Malone (Retired).
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini.
This is a clearly written, very readable book based on sound science. The principles are easy to understand and use. These principles can be used ethically to get your point across and sell your product, but you can also use them to avoid being persuaded into doing or buying something you do not want.
Product Plus: How Product + Service = Competitive Advantage
I first read this book in college and never forgot it. I applied its lessons in everything I do.
I’m sticking with the old “Getting to Yes.” It’s helpful in formal negotiation but also for everyday bargaining.
My favorite book is First Break All The Rules by Marcus Buckingham. This book changed the way I manage my team, and the way I manage my life, to work from strength instead of weakness.
“Getting to Yes” (second edition) by Roger Fisher and William Ury with Bruce Patton.
This is one of the best, and most practical books on negotiating that I’ve read. Not only does it explain how to reach a “win-win” situation without giving up too much, it explores the theory and data behind each recommendation.
“How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. Essential reading for dealing with people.
I work for a church, so between The Bible, Getting Things Done, and The Art of War, I can cover most of the territory I face. ;)
I would have to say “Microtrends: The Small Forces Behind Tomorrow’s Big Changes” by Mark Penn and E. Kinney Zalesne.
I love how this book makes you think conceptually and creatively about the way society, business and economics actually function.
As a writer, I feel I am often required to tap into the psychology of the end reader and this book points out that things aren’t always as they seem.
Plus, on a personal level, I often like to quote the passages on tattoos to my parents who are sometimes less than enthused with mine.
Now that his political adventures are halted for the year, hopefully we’ll see more from Penn!
My favorite is “The Google Story” by “David A Vise”. A gripping account of all things big and small that made Google what it is today.
This might be borderline for a business book but “Accidental Genius” by Mark Levy is a fantastic book focused on clarifying your thoughts. It helps with creativity as well.
Today Matters by John Maxwell. Where I work we seem to get all of Maxwell’s books given to us and while I enjoy most of them, this one is my favorite. He talks about the value of your work and your life and how it all has to be important to you right now today. I still reread parts of it.
Decision Making by Janis and Mann. My dad gave me this book a long time ago (required reading during his MBA in the 70s). I love the steps and theory they include on decision making and that emotion and other aspects are included.
1. Made To Stick by Chip & Dan Heath
2. Love is the Killer App by Tim Sanders
3. A Complaint is a Gift by Klaus Moeller
I would have to say “Head First Software Development” by Pilone and Miles. Its not a traditional business book, but it does provide significant insight to project planning, not just limited to software planning.
Paul Arden’s ‘It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be’ does it for me. Whilst not a ‘business’ book like some others, being The Best and compromising for no one is an important message to take away.
4 hr work week. Because it got me to start measuring what is important to me.
Chip & Dan Heath’s “Made To Stick”.
Applicable to speaking, writing, advertising, business. Anywhere you need to get a message across, this book works.
GTD…. of course, not too original I know
How to Win Friends and Influence People…a classic. It’s the book that really helped me come out of my shell after many many self-imposed exile from the world
My fave book is The Tipping Point. It has really taught me a new perspective on networking and relationships. I highly recommend it.
A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink
A brilliant work that describes the emerging transition from information age to conceptual age. This book shows how using right brain thinking can lead us to thrive in this new era.
American Psycho – Bar None.
Read through that and help yourself realize the facades that the businessworld constantly maintains – and how to best exploit them to your gain.
Sorry its a weird one…. I like GTD Too! – Just wanted to give some alternative insight.
My favorite is an old classic: A Random Walk Down Wall Street. For anybody that wants to get a real handle on how the markets really work this is a must read.
Sway by Ori and Rom Brafman is my favorite book because it talks about the irresistible pull of irratnional thinking along with behavior in business and personal decision making.
Please enter me, I’d love to win!!!!! It’s a great giveaway!!!!
I’d have to say Good to Great, like I’m sure many other would. That and Managing the Professional Services Firm, I suppose. I work for a professional services firm, and its pretty hard to get professionals to look at whats “wrong” with themselves; Good to Great takes it from ‘you’re already ‘good’ lets get to great”, then gives great advice on how to take it to the next level. Great contribution.
Business is a derivative discipline; at it’s heart it’s about telling stories. So my favorite business book is called Story by Robert McKee. In it you’ll find everything you need to know about sales, marketing, and management.
My choice goes to “Never Eat Alone”, by Keith Ferrazzi. I couldn’t agree more when he states that business relationships are personal relationships. A great book on connecting in a meaningfull way.
My favorite would be Good to Great. The examples given, and the concept of how you can be good but by paying attention to details and working hard you could be great.
“Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. I find it to be rather timeless, and it’s changed a lot of lives.
Good to Great for all the reasons already discussed.
In an Uncertain World by Robert Rubin, the former Secretary of the Treasury. Rubin discusses his decision-making processes in depth, especially his thought process on evaluating risks.
While not specifically a business-book, The Elements of Style by Strunk and White is absolutely invaluable when crafting memos and presentations.
“Oh, The Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss. It’s taught me to never get stuck in the waiting place. (S. Covey might call that being pro-active.)
“The Four Hour Work Week” by Ferris. This book really opened my eyes on how to gain more freedom and still pay the bills.
The book: Organizational Culture and Leadership (Edgar Schein), it’s great because it’s very deep, but also very practical, with lots of examples and step by step methodology to change culture.
Stephen Covey’s “First Things First” reminded me about the priorities in life.
One of my favorite business-related book is not about business. It’s about team building. The book is “Sacred Hoops” by Phil Jackson. Here’s an excerpt from the introduction:
“working with the Bulls I’ve learned that the most effective way to forge a winning team is to call on the players’ need to connect with something larger than themselves. Even for those who don’t consider themselves ‘spiritual’ in a conventional sense, creating a successful team – whether it’s an NBA champion or a record-setting sales force – is essentially a spiritual act. It requires the individuals involved to surrender their self-interest for the greater good so that the whole adds up to more than the sum of its parts.”
I really liked the book: “Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life” by Spencer Johnson. It is an inspiring book that helps you cope with change in a dynamic environment – often people are so focused on one track for their career that they lose sight of the “cheese” and futilely respond to this change. This was especially important for me as I was completing my first degree and looking for a career path.
Other top books include “The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell, “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho and “The Goal” by Golratt. Currently reading “Questions Every MBA Eeds to Answer” by Mark Albion.
Two that I haven’t seen on the list yet: “Company” by Max Barry, and Richard Machowicz’s “Unleash the Warrior Within”.
“Company” is fiction, the story of a company that, unbeknownst to its employees, is entirely a testing ground for management philosophy. They try different management techniques, and write bestselling books about the successful ones. I won’t spoil anything else; it’s a funny read, and the extremely disfunctional company reminds me of a few places I’ve worked. The first hundred pages are essentially a manual for how NOT to run a company.
“Unleash…” is written by a former Navy SEAL, and is highly motivational; it’s mostly about prioritizing and analyzing goals realistically and (somewhat) scientifically, and making plans to achieve them. It’s a good book if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by options.
I really like Smart Choices by Hammond Keeney + Raiffa. the book really helps in coming up with a simple framework of how to solve problems. it’s been most effective for me in communicating the changes + solutions to problems that i think our organization needs.
It’s not specifically business, but it is so well suited for deciding how to deal with others and to make good choices for yourself that it can be the foundation for all business interactions:
“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz