I am a reader. I have been my whole life.
You will find books in nearly every room in my house or office, somewhat
to the displeasure of my wife. I read for pleasure, I read to learn, and
I read as part of my work. As the host of
Remarkable Leadership Podcast
, I have read nearly 60 books this year.
But that isn't all I've read. Here are five books I read in 2023 that
made a difference for me.
As you read this list, I hope at least one makes it to your reading
list. Perhaps you will get a gift card and now know how to spend it.
Three of these books were read for the podcast. The links to
listen/watch those conversations are included in my review. You can
watch while you wait for your copy to arrive.
Here is the list, in order of publication date.
Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don't Have All
the Facts
by Annie Duke
We all make decisions all day long. Much is written about how we make
decisions, and plenty of research shows we aren't great at it. Annie
Duke is a famous Poker Champion and deep thinker who gave me a new
perspective on the topic.
The book outlines many biases we hold - some you are likely familiar
with, others perhaps not. In every case, she toggles from research and
interesting examples to make her points. I find myself consciously
thinking in new ways because of this book. I'm not sure there is higher
praise I can give than that.
10x Is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by
Doing Less
by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
I read this book for my thinking and our business growth. While written
primarily for entrepreneurs, it challenges any reader to think bigger
and nonlinearly. It provides inspiration, but more importantly, specific
application ideas to help you think about anything differently. You can
apply the ideas to your career, your business, your team or any other
part of your life.
The Nine: The Tectonic Forces Reshaping the Workplace
by Phil Simon
This book is about the future of business and the future of work. Some
of the ideas shared, while well-researched and documented, aren't
surprising. But I bet there will be at least a couple of the nine you
haven't thought of or thought about how they would impact you. It's a
fast and engaging read, closing with practical ideas for what to do
about these nine forces. Definitely worth reading as you think about the
future of work and your place in it.
You can listen to my conversation with author Phil Simon on your
favorite podcast app, or
watch it here
.
The Case for Good Jobs: How Great Companies Bring Dignity, Pay, and
Meaning to Everyone's Work
by Zeynep Ton
This is perhaps the most thought-provoking book I read this year. Note
the subtitle: How great companies bring dignity, pay, and meaning to
everyone's work. Who doesn't want that for themselves and their
colleagues?
Ton states a case, then provides a roadmap for helping to create "good
jobs" across a team or organization. The ideas are relatable and
challenging, uncovering a brighter future for work and a path to
creating competitive advantage.
You can listen to my conversation with author Zeynep Ton on your
favorite podcast app, or
watch it here
.
Look: How to Pay Attention in a Distracted World
by Christian Madsbjerg
Paying attention is a powerful habit for all parts of our lives. But
distractions are everywhere. Many of us have forgotten how to observe
and listen intentionally. But doing so elevates our decision making,
perspective, and relationships. Madsbjerg applies lessons from
philosophy and science to help us see why this is important - and how to
improve.
The book suggests - and I agree - that the skills of observation can set
us apart. And while it may seem harder than ever to remove our
distractions, great benefits come to those who do.
Watch my conversation with Christian Madsbjerg here
.
Everyone's goals for reading and learning are different. I hope at least
one of these books helps you on your journey. I know they each continue
to help me on mine.