Six of My Favorite Books of the Year

As long time newsletter readers know I read a lot. I don’t blog about everything I read, though perhaps I should. I’ve had people tell me that reading my resource recommendations is dangerous . . . to their pocketbook! I won’t apologize for that – reading good books is a great way to intentionally learn, about anything you choose.

If you enjoy my recommendations, but have a hard time deciding which ones to purchase, maybe this will help. It also might shed some light on who I am, where I am in my leadership and learning journey and what my interests are right now.

Of all the books I read this year, these six stand out. Not because they are the only great books I read – I ready MANY great books. However, here are my criteria for this list: These are the six books I talked about, mentioned, commented on and referred people to throughout the year. It is that simple.

And so, without any further commentary, here they are, listed in the order I wrote about them, with links to the blog posts that recommended them originally:

Fascinate by Sally Hogshead.

If you want to be more influential, more persuasive and do both from your strengths, you will want to read this book. It is interesting, instructive and, well, fascinating!

Here is my original recommendation.

The Myth of Multitasking by Dave Crenshaw.

One particular idea in this book – about “switch” tasking – seems to come up in every workshop I lead.

Here is my original recommendation.

Start with Why by Simon Sinek.

As an author I was (and am) envious of this title. The book does the title justice. It’s a valuable book on a profoundly important concept.

Here is my original recommendation.

Making Them Believe by Dan Kennedy and Chip Kessler.

Doctor John Brinkley made a name and fortune for himself in large part by convincing men that goat testicles were the key to success in a pre-Viagra world. The most interesting marketing book I read this year.

Here is my original recommendation.

Good Boss, Bad Boss by Robert Sutton.

In his follow-up to The No Asshole Rule, Bob writes a better book. I’d bet I’ll read it again in 2011.

Here is my original recommendation.

The Truth About Leadership by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner.

Jim and Barry have been writing about leadership for a long time. I think this is their best book and that very leader needs to read it.

Here is my original recommendation.