Previously I’ve written about Jeff Bezos and his encouraging his staff to read selected books.
I’m not in Bezos class, but I have suggested a reading list for my team members in the past and I’ve used these series of books as a basis for both self Learning and guided learning.
Self learning typically would encourage your team member to read the book (they are all quite short) and to identify three ideas they can implement now. A guided learning approach encouraged a dialogue as you both read learning appropriate chapters and then discuss how the team member can apply learnings to what they are currently working on. Try it, you’ll both grow as a leader as well as have a motivated and growing team member.
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion. Robert Cialdini.
There are 6 Universal principles that determine if people change behaviour-reciprocity, commitment, social proof, liking, authority, and scarcity. This is a great basis for understanding all sales and marketing concepts and skills.
Good to great. Jim Collins.
Good companies become great by confronting the brutal realities of their business finding out what that they are uniquely good at, creating a culture of discipline, and building and maintaining momentum. ( and occasionally developing a terminal case of hubris)
The effective executive. Peter Drucker.
Being effective is as much about what you choose not to do as what you actually do every day and in so doing creating good management habits. This usually involves doing what other people have overlooked as well as avoiding what is unproductive. 5 Steps; Managing time, Choosing what you can contribute to the organization, Knowing where and how to mobilize strength for best effect, Setting the right priorities, Knitting all of them together with effective decision-making.
Fall of advertising and the rise of PR. Al Ries Laura Ries.
Today’s major brands are born with publicity not Marketing. While advertising can assist with placement, frequency and position, it can’t give brands credibility. And in the modern world brand credibility is the basis of strong consumer relationship. Don’t let the books over simplicity get in the way if a compelling message.
Cracking creativity. The secrets of creative genius. Michael Michalko.
Great creative process and a spur to innovative ideas for anyone. By knowing how to see, Making a thought visible, Thinking fluently, Making novel combinations, Connecting the unconnected, Looking at the other side, Looking in other worlds, Finding what you are not looking for and Awakening the collaborative spirit anyone can become creative.
Positioning: the Battle for your mind. Jack Trout and Al Ries
Create a position in a prospective customers mind one that reflects the brands own strengths and weaknesses (relevant, distinctive, motivating, consistent) as well as those of the competition. position an industry leader so that its name and message makes its way into the subconscious of your market and stays there. Position a follower so that it can occupy a niche not claimed by the leader. Avoid letting a product ride on the coattails of an established one.
and
Leadership Jazz – Revised Edition: The Essential Elements of a Great Leader Max De Pree
Today’s best leaders are attuned to the needs and ideas of their followers, and even step aside at times to be followers themselves. How to: Hold people accountable and give them space to reach their potential, See the needs of employees and those of the company as the same, Inspire change and innovation, Work effectively with creative people.
So what books do you recommend to people? Please share with us.
I forgot ‘Up your Service’ by Ron Kaufman best service orientated book ever. Simple actionable process that enables everyone to understand the reasons for great service in any business and how to sustainable present great service.