On Energy
Driven: How Human Nature Shapes Our Choices by Paul R. Lawrence
and Nitin Nohria
When I first learned about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs I loved it, but today I find the drives described in this book even more compelling. Lawrence and Norhia present four innate and independent motivations: the drive to acquire, the drive to bond, the drive to learn, and the drive to defend. Free will is expressed in the way we choose among them.
and Nitin Nohria
When I first learned about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs I loved it, but today I find the drives described in this book even more compelling. Lawrence and Norhia present four innate and independent motivations: the drive to acquire, the drive to bond, the drive to learn, and the drive to defend. Free will is expressed in the way we choose among them.
On Learning
Brain Rules: 12 Principle for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School by John Medina
Medina has heavy credentials (a developmental molecular biologist), but his writing moves quickly and keeps you engaged. If you want to learn faster (and help others lean as well) you can put these ideas to work tomorrow. Use exercise to boost brainpower and repetition to help you remember. Reduce bad stress and the lack of sleep as both will mess with your mind.
Medina has heavy credentials (a developmental molecular biologist), but his writing moves quickly and keeps you engaged. If you want to learn faster (and help others lean as well) you can put these ideas to work tomorrow. Use exercise to boost brainpower and repetition to help you remember. Reduce bad stress and the lack of sleep as both will mess with your mind.
Play Is More than Fun with Stuart Brown
Dr. Brown has interviewed thousands of people and his research shows a strong correlation between playful activity and success. So make time to chat, to kid around, to eat a pizza with colleagues, to see the world through a child’s eyes, to make someone laugh, or to play with your dog. Remember that nothing lights up the brain like play.
Dr. Brown has interviewed thousands of people and his research shows a strong correlation between playful activity and success. So make time to chat, to kid around, to eat a pizza with colleagues, to see the world through a child’s eyes, to make someone laugh, or to play with your dog. Remember that nothing lights up the brain like play.
On Purpose
How Will You Measure Your Life by Clayton M. Christensen (HBR, July 2010)
Christensen, a professor at Harvard Business School known for his writing on disruptive technologies, shares in this article his last lecture to the graduating class of 2010. He encourages the students to figure out how they will be happy in their careers, how they will make their closest relationships a source of enduring happiness, and how they will stay out of jail (he’s not kidding, as 2 of the 32 people in his Rhodes scholar class spent time in jail).
Christensen, a professor at Harvard Business School known for his writing on disruptive technologies, shares in this article his last lecture to the graduating class of 2010. He encourages the students to figure out how they will be happy in their careers, how they will make their closest relationships a source of enduring happiness, and how they will stay out of jail (he’s not kidding, as 2 of the 32 people in his Rhodes scholar class spent time in jail).
The Discipline of Building Character (HBR, January 2006) and
Leadership in Literature (HBR, March 2006) by Joseph L. Badaracco, Jr.
As a leader, the “easy” choices are those between right and wrong. The more difficult ones are those where you need to chose between two things you value greatly, such as being a team player and having more time with your family. The first article gives a framework for how to think through such choices. The second brings these choices to life with stories from literature.
As a leader, the “easy” choices are those between right and wrong. The more difficult ones are those where you need to chose between two things you value greatly, such as being a team player and having more time with your family. The first article gives a framework for how to think through such choices. The second brings these choices to life with stories from literature.
The Active Life: A Spirituality of Work, Creativity, and Caring
by Palker J. Palmer
Spiritual literature often portrays the world of action as an arena of ego and power, and the world of contemplation as full of light and grace. While Palmer appreciates the contemplative life, this book for those who thrive on the vitality and variety of the world of action. It is for those who are most alive when they contribute to their community.
by Palker J. Palmer
Spiritual literature often portrays the world of action as an arena of ego and power, and the world of contemplation as full of light and grace. While Palmer appreciates the contemplative life, this book for those who thrive on the vitality and variety of the world of action. It is for those who are most alive when they contribute to their community.
David Whyte
I never understood poetry, until I listened to David Whyte talk about the lives of his favorite poets and recite their work. By drawing on their wisdom, his talks have helped me think deeply about my own calling. When you feel the need to reflect on your career and calling, download one of David’s talks, sit by a lake or lie in a hammock, and just listen.
I never understood poetry, until I listened to David Whyte talk about the lives of his favorite poets and recite their work. By drawing on their wisdom, his talks have helped me think deeply about my own calling. When you feel the need to reflect on your career and calling, download one of David’s talks, sit by a lake or lie in a hammock, and just listen.
On Self Discipline
Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin
If you want to be in the running for the best positions in your company or industry, you need to do intense and deliberate workouts. You begin by designing workouts that stretch you in a certain area, then you drill over and over again, and seek real-time feedback. Such practice isn’t much fun, but being on top of your game is immensely rewarding.
If you want to be in the running for the best positions in your company or industry, you need to do intense and deliberate workouts. You begin by designing workouts that stretch you in a certain area, then you drill over and over again, and seek real-time feedback. Such practice isn’t much fun, but being on top of your game is immensely rewarding.
7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
A classic! If you only read one book on how to lead your own life, this is it. It is intelligent and comprehensive. A bonus is the many practical suggestions for how to set direction, manage your time, and listen better. I had the privilege of working with Stephen for many years, and I have always been humbled by his vision and compassion.
A classic! If you only read one book on how to lead your own life, this is it. It is intelligent and comprehensive. A bonus is the many practical suggestions for how to set direction, manage your time, and listen better. I had the privilege of working with Stephen for many years, and I have always been humbled by his vision and compassion.