Read Up

Business books, growth guides, stories of empowerment and leadership. Do you indulge in motivational reading? And if you do which books have earned their place on your fave reads list? 

I go through phases where I am inspired by and enthusiastic about business reading and phases where I feel too busy getting the job done to be reading aspirational tales and tips. 

But I’m conscious that attitude is akin to falling into the trap of working in not on the business, and most of the successful entrepreneurs I know read these kind of books…so there’s clearly something in them that works.

 

I see it as part of the never ending process of learning, integral to a growth mindset, and I always come back to those books. 

 

So what’s on my list? Well some are obvious choices and some perhaps not so, here are a few of my faves…in no particular order as they change depending on what I’m thinking of/working on at any given time.

 

The Chimp Paradox; learn how to manage your inner chimp with Steve Peters mind management programme. Often attributed as a sports success guide but equally relevant in business and just day to day life, there are some great, simple, statements of truth in this book. Check out things like "the one in five rule"...not everyone is going to like or even understand you and you know what, that's okay. Or, "Never assume that because you have told someone something that they have heard or understood it."...if the conversation matters it's important to check that the person you are speaking to has understood what you are saying. And remember we live on a "Planet of Others"...see the summary key points some of my fave key points about living there in this pic. (and yes, I scribble on my books, they're mine and I like to make notes and doodle)

 

Good to Great, by Jim Collins; a recent addition to my bookshelf, recommended by Mark Elliot, in conversations as part of CivTech Challenge 6. Chapter 6, The Hedgehog Concept, based on Isaiah Berlin's essay which divides the world into hedgehogs and foxes is worth the price of the book alone. Give it a go, then have a think about whether you are a fox or a hedgehog.

 

Start with the Why, Simon Sinek's classic message about why some people and organisations succeed when others who are equally hardworking, knowledgeable and passionate don't. Start with the Why folks, such a simple message yet one that is overlooked by many. Why does your organisation exist? Why do you get out of bed in the morning? For me its about really making Scotland the best place to grow up, by creating equity of access to early learning, school age childcare and children's activities for ALL, regardless of demographics such as location, income level, specific individual need, personal characteristics or any of the reasons why some children and families do not have the same opportunities as others. 

Buy the book, watch the Ted talk, get with the programme and understand your why.

Lean In, by Sheryl Sandberg; as a female leader, someone who actively supports women's rights. and a mum to 3 incredible young women...this one always strikes a chord with me. There are so many concepts covered that every female leader will recognise and be able to think of examples in their own and their friends, colleagues and family member's careers.

Sit at the table; don't place yourself at the side of the room, know you deserve a seat at that table. Don't let imposter syndrome hold you back.

Make your partner a real partner; don't assume the greater share of caring and domestic responsibilities at home just because you are female. Make the choices that work for you and your family as an equal partner in your relationship. 

Don't leave before you leave; too many women limit their aspirations because they are thinking about taking a career break in the future to have a family, don't hold yourself back...be there in the moment until you need to take that break. 

Lean In as a concept has faced some criticism in recent years and of course its not enough on its own, we need wider cultural change to create true equity for women in the workplace. Michelle Obama has been quoted as saying, "And its not always enough to lean in, because that shit doesn't work all the time." But as a female leader I still think it is important that we stand up and be counted, that we keep our foot on the gas, have confidence in our own abilities and support our fellow women, both in the workplace, and beyond. 

Check out Sheryl's Ted Talk here.

So there you go, that’s my current list…if you’re a leader on a growth journey, an aspiring leader, or someone who has, or is thinking of starting a business, I would say don’t be too quick to dismiss business books. As a business leader, a role that can at times feel lonely and challenging, they are a reminder that you are not alone and others are working on similar challenges. They are a great tool to support reflection and review…and if you are a lover of a good quote you can find some crackers between those pages. 

 

Happy reading folks, and if you are in the same sector as me (Early Learning and School Age Childcare) look out for a blog on my favourite non fiction books for leaders in our sector, coming soon.