Summer Reading: 5 Books to Feed Your Brain
August 11, 2007 by Phil Gerbyshak
Filed under Business
Over at Execupundit, the list of Wharton’s Books for the Summer was linked to. It’s a pretty self-serving list, with 3 books that Wharton published on the list. They did manage to include Marshall Goldsmith’s new one What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, but all in all, it’s still a pretty uninspiring list.
So what do I recommend you read this summer? Business books, of course, that can help you become a better manager!
- The Dip by Seth Godin – This one you can read cover-to-cover in 2 hours or less, or listen to in 93 minutes flat over at Audible.com. If you’re not sure whether or not management (or your career) is for you, you need to get this one today. If you are sure, you can share it with someone on your team who needs a little extra career coaching.
- Two Weeks to a Breakthrough by Lisa Haneberg – This little book is a must-read for anyone looking to take their career up a notch. In just 2 weeks, if you do all the exercises, you can create a breakthrough!
- Radical Leap by Steve Farber – If you’re not familiar with Steve Farber and you call yourself a manager or a leader, shame on you! Extreme leadership is the name of Farber’s game, and his lessons are authentic and helpful.
- Gust! – The Tale Wind of Office Politics by Timothy Johnson – If you’re a manager, you know you have to deal with office politics. This book is an easy to navigate way to better deal with all the backbiting that inevitably happens in corporations, written in a fun and insightful fable format. Bonus: Tim also contributes (along with other amazing writers) to the Office Politics site where folks can e-mail in questions and “Ask the Experts.”
- Growing Great Employees by Erika Andersen – A simply amazing book for all managers that offers a great 5 step metaphor for doing a better job of growing your employees. Bonus: I interviewed Erika earlier this year. You can read part 1 and part 2 of my interview with her. Double Bonus: You can download Growing Great New Managers free from the fine folks at ChangeThis in PDF format.
What are you feeding your brain with this summer so you can be a better Slacker Manager in the fall? Share your best book recommendations below. Remember: What’s old to you might be new to someone else, and I’d love to get a great slacker book list going!
Great list! I’ll be checking some of those out. I’d like to add
I Quit But Forgot To Tell You – by Terri Kabachnick. Exceptional book on how to retain employees – not just in body but in mind! :-)
Handle With Care: Motivating and Retaining Employees – by Barbara Glanz. Barbara is also the author of Simple Truths of Service inspired by Johnny the Bagger. She’s shares fabulous tips and ideas for inspiring your team.
Finding and Keeping Great Employees – by Jim Harris and Joan Brannick (www.brannickhr.com). It’s been around for a while, but an excellent book on hiring people who are a fit for your corporate culture.
The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield – not necessarily a management book – but still, I book I believe everyone should read and heed.
Donna Cutting
aka Gal Morale
Brendon,
Thank you so much for recommending my book – I’m so glad you enjoyed it and found it useful.
Wonderful blog, by the way!
Warmly,
Erika
Thanks for recommending my book… I’m glad you found value in it. By the way, Erika has now joined me on the staff at Office-Politics.com – it’s great to have her on board. She has some great wisdom to share.
Donna – Thanks for stopping by and sharing your favorites. That’s much appreciated!
Erika – Bren has left the building, but you’re still welcome for the mention.
Tim – I just noticed that Erika is on your team at Office Politics. Talk about a Dream Team! Wow!
Phil – You’re ubiquitous! Now I’ll direct my thanks correctly to you (yet again).
Tim – I’m honored to be a part of the Office Politics team…a distinguished crowd!