Recommended Reading

RECOMMENDED BOOKS

If I may humbly begin with two of my own…

Lead With Your Customer - Mark David Jones & Jeff Kober

(Make sure to get the 2019 second edition!) Showcases the strategies and tactics used to "transform culture and brand into world-class excellence". Hand's on "behind-the-scenes" experience of what the most successful, renowned businesses in the world do to achieve consistent results - regardless of industry. The best "one stop" resource for transforming any business I know of
(if I may say so myself - having written this book...)

The ASTD Leadership Handbook - Elaine Biech, editor

"The definitive guide on leadership with the collective wisdom of more than 40 experts in the field". If you are a student of Leadership, then this book should be in your library. All the best insights from the experts in each area - giving you an unbeatable single resource of latest/greatest information.
(Yes, I'm included - Chapter 12!)

connect with mark

And the rest, with some personal thoughts…

Organizing Genius – Warren Bennis & Patricia Ward Bieferman

This classic teamwork book showcases how a collection of collaborate minds always outperforms a group of individuals. And no, I’m not biased because the late, great Warren Bennis interviewed me for this book. His other groundbreaking leadership books are wonderful as well. He was the best author for his height.

First, Break All the Rules – Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman

One of best business trends/causes studies by one of the most respected research organizations. Gallup’s “cheeky monkey’s” Marcus and Curt connect all the dots in this popular favorite. This is a solid work, despite Marcus and I having a disagreement about his newer “strengths” work.

How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie

Practical advice on face-to-face communication and relationship building as a professional and personal strategy with a clear connection to success. Carnegie is a legendary author for a reason. Get this book for your library and read it often. Learn from the master.

Leading Change – John P. Kotter

The marriage of two of my favorite topics: Leadership and Change. A compelling overview of the organizational change process – especially why change often fails. If you are trying to figure out implementation, this is a great reference for leading any transformation initiative at your company. John “gets it” and his string of business bestsellers prove it.

Fusion: How Integrating Brand and Culture Powers the World's Greatest Companies Hardcover – Denise Lee Yohn

This book is a great perspective into how the best organizations view, and cultivate, both their culture and brand to optimize their potential. I’ve personally enjoyed Denise’s perspective and comments as a colleague (I even cited her work in my most recent book). Well documented with current examples.

Leadership is an Art – Max DePree

A beautifully written book about how leadership is more than a list of things to do; it is about the visible/practiced signs of our commitment and passion for our team and our cause. The grand old man with a timeless heart. You will receive a whole new perspective on the role of leadership – and why you must embrace both the science and the art of it to realize your true potential.

Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts – Brené Brown

A courageous book on the topic of leading yourself in any circumstance that affects others you’re leading. As Brené states, “I define a leader as anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential.” Intimate and thought-provoking, Brown strikes a chord.

Start with Why - Simon Sinek

Emphasizing purpose and meaning as the driver for all behavior. Simon broke on the scene via his TedTalk (seen by millions!) This book is a great foundation for understanding the importance of non-negotiables as the key for all organizational relevancy and employee/customer engagement.

The Essential Drucker: The Best of Sixty Years of Peter Drucker's Essential Writings on Management - Peter F. Drucker

The late and legendary “dean of business studies” explores the five practices of senior leaders and how to best lead an organization via priorities, resources, decision making, and integration. Considered the bible of senior-level leadership, this is a must have if you aim to pursue a career as an effective leader. (His “The Effective Executive” is also a winner). Drucker is ‘da man!

Getting Things Done - David Allen

The GTD method is the best time management approach I’ve seen - moving planned tasks and projects out of the mind by recording them externally and then breaking them into actionable work items. Get the revised 2015 edition that includes updates regarding changes in technology.

The Art of War – Sun Tzu

This extraordinary book explores the foundations of strategy and how to generate dominant power. Also, a keen insight into the eastern business mind – as this ancient classic is considered required reading. War…what an art! I try to re-read this once every year or so. Timeless wisdom!

Built to Last – Jim Collins & Jerry Porras

Great dissection of the impact of core values/purpose and how world-class businesses align all operations for integrity and optimal results. And yes, Disney is featured. I’ve been fortunate to have worked with Jim on several occasions and he is a consummate stickler for details that get to the core of the big issues.

Good to Great – Jim Collins

Seriously researched by Jim and his graduate students, a great historical resource for understanding sustainable growth. Jim also has a social sector monograph that highly recommend that complements this work for government agencies and not-for-profit companies. Not bad for a middle-aged rock climber.

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead - Sheryl Sandberg

Written for women but applicable regardless of your gender, Sandberg’s book touches on everything from how to find a mentor in the workplace, to negotiating for what you want, voicing your opinion, becoming a leader in your organization, forging an equal partnership in your home life – all in all, a great book on balancing your professional and personal life.

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us - Daniel H. Pink

My favorite of Dan’s four books. His extensive research shows how human motivation is mostly intrinsic, with true motivation being determined by autonomy, mastery, and purpose. If you want to better understand those you serve (customers or colleagues), this is a great start.

Visionary Leadership – Burt Nanus

One of the best books on Vision – showing how leaders can know where to lead. The “Managing From the Middle” chapter is a personal favorite and is worth the purchase cost all by itself. Nanus showcases the futility of focusing on control as a leader – because true effectiveness in the real world (lots of examples) only comes from strategic influence! Check it out!

Leaders: Strategies for Taking Charge – Warren Bennis & Burt Nanus

Another fantastic book by the legendary leadership expert Warren Bennis. Shows how leadership is open to all. A comprehensive overview of the skills common to excellent leaders and how to develop them. What a dream team of business genius!

Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ - Daniel Goleman

Dan is one of the top two pioneers of Emotional Intelligence (and his books are written better than Robert Coopers). Helps outline the concept of Emotional Intelligence/Emotional Quotient (EQ), which is far more a determinant of behaviors than anything else. Understand their perspective and act accordingly for better engagement. Period.

The Lean Startup - Eric Ries

Interesting book. Ries writes about why most startups fail and how to avoid that, but the more relevant insights are how this agile approach can dramatically improve effectiveness. As I work with different industries around the world, many are embracing this mindset and team system.

The Innovator's Dilemma - Clayton Christensen

Clayton demonstrates how successful, outstanding companies can do everything "right" and still lose their market leadership as new, unexpected competitors rise and take over the market. He throws a whole new spin on why and how we must consider continuous innovation to stay relevant. Profound thinker and sorely missed.

The Hard Thing About Hard Things - Ben Horowitz

Ben offers essential advice on building and running a startup—practical wisdom for managing the toughest problems business school doesn’t cover, based on his popular blog. He analyzes the problems that confront leaders every day with humor and straight talk. If you are in a challenging work environment, this book addresses the attitude required to overcome.

Getting to Yes – Roger Fisher & William Ury

Brings negotiation, in all its daily forms, into a relationship-building position. Focusing on interests and collaboratively generating solutions that benefit both parties. Deal maker!

The Change Masters – Rosabeth Moss Canter

Studies the factors that drive corporate change initiatives from a human relations perspective. One of the first to introduce the concept of empowerment. I worked with Rosabeth when we created Disney’s approach to Creativity and Innovation sessions. She knows the innovation landscape as well as anyone, and she was the first female Harvard Business Review editor too! Impressive!

Competing for the Future – Gary Hamel & C. K. Prahalad

Reinvented strategy focusing on broader possibilities, rather than limited extensions of a company’s/industries past. Very big meta-perspective on why things evolve the way they do and how various actions impact that process. They changed the strategy game, in my opinion. Finally!

Organizational Culture and Leadership – Edgar H. Schein

Clarifies corporate culture in a way no other book has. Highlights why it is impossible to improve a corporation until you can understand its culture. Ed is unparalleled as a corporate culture ethnographer. Oh, and he claims he’s “still alive”.

Organizational Learning – Chris Argyris & Donald Schon

Showcases the ultimate competitive advantage of capturing corporate learning/growth. Also, a fine exploration of how innovation, teamwork, and individual contribution interconnect. Real pioneers.

connect with mark