ACCESS HARMAR
I read a lot. Maybe too much. I do most of my reading on the Kindle app on my phone. I get in trouble when my wife catches me reading during dinner while we’re discussing my weekend “assignments”.
My interests are varied. I enjoy science and military fiction, history, biographies, and business books.
Lots of business books.
I especially love stories about building businesses. When I read business books, I tend not to read the whole book. My process is pretty simple. First, if I am considering a book I find a book summary online or on Blinkist (book summary service). Once I decide I want to read the book, I usually buy the kindle version. I check out the table of contents and then skim the book. Then, I read the sections that interest me and highlight them. If I really get into the book, I may decide to buy the physical book and highlight and go deeper. Whichever book format I choose I take notes along the way and summarize them in Microsoft OneNote. I get the key points of the book but don’t spend more than 1 – 2 hours reading.
I thought I would share with you 5 books that I enjoyed.
- It Worked for Me – Colin Powell. I am a big Colin Powell fan, mainly because of his great common sense thinking on leadership. The book includes his 13 rules such as: “It ain’t as bad as you think”, “Get mad, then get over it” and my favorite “It can be done”.
- Five Dysfunctions of a Team – Patrick Lencioni. Described as a leadership fable, the story is about uniting a team that is in such disarray that it threatens to bring down the entire company.
- Fit for Growth – Vinay Couto, John Plansky and Deniz Caglar. I was looking for a guide on how to revisit the cost structure of a business based on sound strategic decisions. I know, it sounds boring, and– full disclosure–I didn’t read every page, but this book is the real deal on enabling growth in your business by investing in what makes you different.
- E Myth Revisited – Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About it – Michael Gerber. If you own a small business, you need this book. It has so many great insights, including the often overlooked distinction between working on your business and working in your business.
- Shoe Dog – Phil Knight. This memoir by the Nike co-founder is an engaging story about the history of Nike. Success is definitely not a straight line. I read every bit of this book.
Right now I am reading the Future is Faster than You Think by Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler. Soon we will be using flying Uber air cars!
Which books have you enjoyed? Feel free to reply and share! I am always looking for more.
Steve Dawson
CEO