Simon Sinek sees a better vision for the world and work, shares his Technicolor vision with us, and inspires us to join him on his journey that will unquestionably benefit us all. It’s hard not to like him and respond (intellectually and emotionally) to his unbridled optimism. Because of his TED Talk fame, his voice and delivery are as iconic as his words—swift, articulate, impassioned. I don’t “read” Sinek’s books,
If you buy one book on decision making make it this one, read the first half, and then tuck it away in a handy spot. Forever. Decisive opens by outlining and explaining the four “villains” that prevent us from making optimal decisions in work and life. The decision process and the errors we make are: * You encounter a choice. But NARROW FRAMING makes you miss options. * You analyze
An idea conceptualized in the book, “Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies” by Phil Collins and Jerry Porras, captivated, invigorated and permeated corporate America when it was released in 2009. And that idea was the BHAG or Big Hairy Audacious Goal. A BHAG is a long-term goal that changes the very nature of a business’ existence. BHAGs are big, bold, exciting and tangible. They are more powerful than
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene My rating: 4 of 5 stars I have a love-hate relationship with this book. On the one hand, it's an instructional guide on how to be an asshole. And on the other, it reveals the assholes' ways to protect the good. The 48 Laws of Power is entirely unsavory, fascinating, and useful. Each of the 48 Laws is brought to life by
Reach: A New Strategy to Help You Step Outside Your Comfort Zone, Rise to the Challenge and Build Confidence by Andy Molinsky My rating: 4 of 5 stars This book is about how to get outside your comfort zone but it’s also about something bigger: how to adjust your own behavior without losing yourself in the process. When we lack a skill in an area, it can impact our success.
The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz My rating: 5 of 5 stars The Hard Thing About Hard Things is a pragmatic and entirely refreshing take on business and leadership. It's one of the most useful--if not the most useful--business books I've read in ages. Easy to read and straight-talking, Horowitz provides actionable, insightful advice backed with real stories
The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph by Ryan Holiday My rating: 5 of 5 stars Although everyone can benefit from applying the precepts of stoicism to weather the turbulent waters of life, this book will profoundly impact entrepreneurs, trailblazers, leaders of change and transformation or anyone who has chosen to move outside of their comfort zone to take on a monumental task or
The Cheat Code: Going Off Script to Get More and Go Faster by Brian Wong My rating: 4 of 5 stars I saw this book on the shelves at Barnes and Noble. My immediate reaction was negative and visceral, “Oh great, now we’re going to teach cheating to the masses.” I picked up a copy at my local library to learn more. To my relief, this isn’t a book about
Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam M. Grant My rating: 5 of 5 stars Banal business books abound. This one is different: "Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World." For anyone who wants to drive innovation, change, and transformation by understanding how the champs do it, read this compelling, research-backed book by fave Wharton prof, Adam Grant. View all my reviews
