Have you noticed? It seems that everyone is an expert these days. Along with the benefits of increased technology and access has come the onslaught of overnight sensations. Not to mention opinions. Lots of opinions.
Sometimes the “noise” can be deafening.
You want to get a different perspective on effective leadership, but with messages bombarding you from all sides, where do you look? Occasionally, we need to look in the rearview mirror to be able to get a clearer perspective of where we’re going. Or, as Benjamin Franklin put it, “Who is wise? He that learns from everyone.”
With that in mind, let’s take a look at 6 books that have provided excellent thought leadership over time. Although the means of executing our businesses may have altered since these were written, the basics of motivating others have not. After all, at the core, people are people, right?
- Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill, March 1937, Dauphin Publications. Napoleon Hill wanted to show people who had lost so much during the depression era that they could gain control of their situation. Part of the product descriptor on Amazon.com said it well, “The riches he referred to were more than money, for the Philosophy of Personal Achievement can be applied to anything in life. Hill was well ahead of his time.”
To win big stakes in this changed world, you must catch the spirit of the great pioneers of the past, whose dreams have given to civilization all that it has of value, the spirit that serves as the life-blood of our own country – your opportunity and mine to develop and market our talents.” Napoleon Hill
- 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Dr. Stephen Covey, August 1989, Simon & Schuster. Dr. Covey’s book invites us to take a look at our daily habits and determine where we are unintentionally sabotaging ourselves.
It is possible to be busy – very busy – without being very effective.” Dr. Stephen R. Covey
- The Power of Positive Thinking, by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, 1952, Prentice Hall, NY. As the author described his best-seller, he said it was “written with the sole objective of helping the reader achieve a happy, satisfying, and worthwhile life.”
Stand up to an obstacle. Just stand up to it, that’s all, and don’t give way under it, and it will finally break. You will break it. Something has to break, and it won’t be you, it will be the obstacle.” Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
- Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life, by Spencer Johnson, M.D., September 1988, G.P. Putnam’s Sons. This is a short parable about change, how we view it, and how we approach it.
It is safer to search the maze than to remain in a cheese-less situation.” Spencer Johnson, M.D.
- The One Thing – The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results, by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan, April 2013, Bard Press.
Success is actually a short race – a sprint fueled by discipline just long enough for a habit to kick in and take over.” Gary W. Keller
- How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie. Originally published in 1936, Dale Carnegie, a self-described “simple country boy,” has touched lives for years. His message is as relevant today as when it was first published.
Anyone who takes time to disagree with you is interested in the same things you are. Think of them as people who really want to help you and turn your opponents into friends.” Dale Carnegie
Managing a business is difficult, but not impossible. These six thought-leaders can help you with effective leadership methods to help take you to the next level in your journey.
