Welcome to the ML2 Bookstore!
Here is a selection of Dr. Mark's favorite books from
ML2 E-Newsletters 20, 41, 55, 66, 77, 90, 99, 110 or 122.
Click on the titles if you wish to purchase the books from Amazon.com.
Making A Life, Making A Living
(Mark Albion, 2000)
Many of us built careers based on what we were good at, not what we loved -- not what made us feel ALIVE. Making A Life, Making A Living is the personal story of 12 businesspeople and their pursuit of happiness.
Dr. Mark's Hall of Fame Selections
Each year, two books are chosen for the Hall of Fame. I feel these books are invaluable reading for any student of business, and ultimately, of life.
Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths (Bruce Feiler, 2002)
In Abraham, Feiler takes a spiritual pilgrimage to the Holy Land to search for the "truth" about Abraham, father of three of world's major religions (Christianity, Islam, and Judaism). While his interfaith quest finds three different perspectives - sometimes overlapping, often conflicting - he also uncovers in his research dozens more as Abraham is defined by the peoples of that time. Thought-provoking, especially for post-9/11 societies.
Built to Last (Collins and Porras, 1994)
A 'must read' In Search of Excellence for the '90s. Demonstrates that it is not visionary leadership, great products, or great ideas that make great companies, but the quality of the organization itself. The authors create a compelling argument for the importance of the "soft" side in business, particularly the creation of theside in business, particularly the creation of the organization itself.
Callings (Gregg Levoy, 1997)
Over the last few years, I find myself coming back to this book repeatedly, as it dominates a now, crowded field of literature about our calling in life. Though a bit dense, it is a great compendium of thought on living an authentic life, and worth reading a bit at a time to digest its intelligence.
The Christmas Box (Richard Paul Evans, 1994)
This is a special book. The story behind the writing of the book (The Christmas Box Miracle, 2001) is fascinating too. Originally self-published for his two daughters and 20 friends, the book built on word-of-mouth and timely media (after many hardships) into a national #1 best seller with over seven million copies sold (and an Emmy-award winning television movie was made from it as well). I don't want to talk about the contents as it will give away the simple, but profound story. And in case you wondered, you don't have to be Christian to enjoy it (I am Jewish, with many Muslim friends who loved it, too). Just human.
Ethics for the New Millennium (His Holiness the Dalai Lama, 1999)
A tough choice because of last year's more "popular" The Art of Happiness by His Holiness. But you hear more of the Dalai Lama's voice in "Ethics." ("Happiness" was written with Dr. Cutler and includes many of his observations on the Dalai Lama.) "Ethics" is also about happiness -- here as the foundation of universal ethics. And the wisdom is delivered in the voice of a person whom I feel is one of the few truly sentient beings on our planet. The book is a call for a spiritual revolution based on the universal values we share in our quest for the meaning of life. The first section of the book (the foundation of ethics) said it all for me. As the Nobel Peace Prize winner teaches throughout, "I am, however, Tibetan before I am Dalai Lama, and I am human before I am Tibetan."
The European Dream (Jeremy Rifkin, 2004)
"How should I live my life?" is the question at the heart of this book, chock full of interesting research and different takes on how to define and then live the "good life." This is a hard book to get through, but your mind will be provoked, not massaged. You may not agree with each assertion, or the statistics themselves, but no matter. This book will make you think deeply about our lives in America and the ways Europeans and Asians live as well. Many insightful nuggets to be found and ideas to be pondered.
Good to Great (Jim Collins, 2001)
With Collins/Porras' Built to Last in my mind, I was a bit disappointed with this effort. I even left it off the list, feeling that Collins' Harvard Business Review excerpt from the book (January 2001) sufficed. But when I went back a second time, and let the book stand by itself, I found that while still flawed, Good to Great is an important read for understanding how a company becomes great.
The book is easy to navigate, with points emphasized by shading and chapter summaries. The extensive research will get you to reconsider some widely held business truths, including their findings that the form of executive compensation is not important, that vision and strategy come after, not before, getting the right people, and that leadership is about humility and will, not star quality. Pick and choose your way through the book and its stories, but don't miss this book.
Growing a Business (Paul Hawken, 1987)
The bible for anyone who wants to start their own business, and make their dream a reality. The companion volume to Hawken's 17 part PBS series, the book is smartly written, easy to use, and a compendium of common sense. In our technobabble times, his business primer only gets more relevant.
The Hungry Spirit (Charles Handy, 1998)
Charles Handy is a regular name on this list - my favorite social philosopher of our time. His latest book takes a hard look at capitalism and our quest for purpose. He addresses the discomfort many of us feel about today's overriding drive for personal advancement and corporate profit. I enjoyed the first two parts of the book, which were about the personal search, more than the third part, which was concerned with the direction society should take. Either way, Handy always writes with uncommon insight and wisdom.
Ishmael (Daniel Quinn, 1991)
Warning: controversial book. It was selected as the $500,000 winner of the ecological Turner Tomorrow Book award and the judges mutinied. This spiritual adventure, set as a philosophical dialogue between a gorilla (the teacher) and a man (the pupil), challenges you to change your life. It posits a new vision of humankind and asks, "Does the Earth belong to Humans or Humans to the Earth?" It invites you to face up to how to save the planet from humans so that we don't go the way of the dinosaurs. Gripping, suspenseful and passionate, I couldn't put it down. The philosophy about humans as "takers" or "leavers" alone is plenty to chew on.
It's Not About the Bike (Armstrong and Jenkins, 2000)
A terrific read, the book shows you what it takes to be all you can be in a wonderfully written, empowering story of a modern-day hero. As Armstrong says, "One of the redeeming things about being an athlete is to redefine what is humanly possible." The title indicates correctly that you don't need to know (or care) anything about cycling to love this book. An emotional powerhouse.
It's Your Ship (Michael Abrashoff, 2002)
A book filled with common sense about an uncommon 20-month command. Commander Abrashoff's style sent ripples through the Navy brass, but his results on the USS Benefold have rarely been matched. Not only will you enjoy the read and keep nodding your head along with Michael's "radical" changes, but you will realize that you can never say "Yes, but at my company." again. No excuses. If he can do it in the inflexible, hierarchical military, you can make these changes in your life, too.
Living a Life That Matters (Harold Kushner, 2001)
In many of his best books, Rabbi Kushner uses a Biblical passage as his jumping off point and then integrates everything from movies to corporate life into a provocative, seamless discussion of a central human issue. In this well-written, insightful book, Kushner examines our search for a meaningful life. He uses Jacob's struggle with the "angel" to examine our conflict between being a person of conscience and doing what it takes to achieve wordly "success." If nothing else, read the Chapter "What kind of a person do you want to be?"
The Living Company (Arie de Geus, 1997)
Similar in tone to Built to Last, this is a thought-provoking look at a company as a living organism, asking the question: Why do most companies die so young? The fascinating practical philosophy makes the case for managing organizations as communities of human beings instead of as economic entities of assets. This eco-biological approach is also apparent in Kevin Kelly's Out of Control. Kelly's chapter 2 on the organization of beehives is worth the book.
Management Challenges for the 21st Century (Peter Drucker, 1999)
As with most of Mr. Drucker's books, it crosses over into many categories. I just felt that if there was one "business" book future leaders should read this year, his latest is it. It is relatively brief (206 pages) but take your time. A deep, thought-provoking look into the new paradigm of management, it is a worthy "update" of his 1950s classic, The Practice of Management. He puts the current Internet explosion and the challenge of our careers into historical perspective as only Peter Drucker can.
The Measure of Our Success (Marian Wright Edelman, 1992)
The founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund wrote a letter to her children as they went off to college. The result is a tough, searching book with a compassionate message of service and morality. Edelman is a national symbol of this message, and her writing is equally provocative. The book's centerpiece, "Twenty-Five Lessons for Life," should be required reading for every young person. An easy read and great holiday gift.
Synchronicity: The Inner Path of Leadership (Joseph Jaworski et al., 1996)
A man following in the path of his famous father's (Watergate prosecutor Leon Jaworski) unsurpassable footsteps loses his family by blindly pursuing his career. Shaken, he quits. Thus begins his new journey of heart and head to find out what being a modern-day leader is all about.
Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom, 1997)
I picked up this little book when it first came out and liked it. About the love between a dying spiritual mentor and a former student, it went on to become a national #1. I know why: Over the past years, phrases and expressions just kept coming back to me. Nice story, easy read, but mostly it gets you to consider if you are letting enough love into your life. Forces you to rethink your priorities.
Dr. Mark's Annual Selections
(1996- )
Ten books are chosen each year,
one for each specific category.
The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho, 1988)
The second most widely read Latin American author, Coelho has become a globally popular New Age cult writer, his fame founded on this fable about following your dream and fulfilling your destiny. This direct and simple, tender and gentle story will inspire you to see the world through your own eyes. "No heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams."
All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten (Robert Fulghum, 1988)
This collection of brief vignettes of every day life still sparkles with inspiration. Just the Storyteller's Creed in the Preface is worth the price of admission: "I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death."
The American Soul (Jacob Needleman, 2002)
Needleman's conversation of how a country was founded on an idea and a set of ideals - ones we may have forgotten just a couple of centuries later- challenges us to reclaim what we have lost. A bit heavy-handed at times, the book has sections in it for everyone, so pick your spots. A timely reminder of what America - and by metaphor, any community - can be about.
The Art of Happiness at Work (His Holiness the Dalai Lama, 2003)
Completely uninterested when told of the sales success of The Art of Happiness, His Holiness only asked, "Has the book been helpful for people?" In this beautiful little book, His Holiness again speaks to co-author Dr. Howard Cutler, this time enlightening us about goals like "contentment" and how it differs from "complacency," and most importantly, and discussing the role of money in our lives (Chapter 3 alone, "Making Money," is worth buying the book).
The Art of the Pilgrimage (Phil Cousineau, 1998)
The subtitle of this book is "The Seeker's Guide to Making Travel Sacred." The book is really two books in one: a primer on how to travel more mindfully to get the most out of your travel experiences and, on a deeper level, how to do the same for the inner journey of life. I had mixed feelings reading the book, but then noticed how many pages I had bookmarked for a return visit (over 40). Lots of stories, myths and parables make this book either a "thanks for suggesting it, Mark" or maybe not your cup of tea (or soup, or whatever).
Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand, 1957)
Most people expect me to dislike Rand's work because our viewpoints seem to be diametrically opposed. Nothing could be further from the truth. I have studied Ms. Rand's life and writings and found her work to be some of the most compelling I've ever read. Her consistency of thought and ability to deliver her philosophy in a novel format is uncanny.
Not an easy read to be sure (I was trapped on an island for five days by a storm and read the 1200 pages), but in my opinion, one of the greatest books ever written. If nothing else, it challenges you to clarify your own beliefs.
As a Driven Leaf (Milton Steinberg, 1939)
This magnificent book has invaded my thinking each week since I first read it. It is a strange pick because it is over sixty years old and 480 pages long (I hate long books), is probably too Jewish for some readers, and is usually categorized as a religious book. It is a fictitious story (in the Michener genre) of a man struggling to live in two worlds during Talmudic times (roughly 100 A.D.). By trying to live in both the Roman and Jewish worlds, he destroys his chances of living in either.
I feel that Leaf addresses a central question of leadership. To lead others and yourself, you must make your values clear and stand by/for/with them. Often we find that the values of business and the values of our personal (and spiritual) life conflict. And by trying to live in both simultaneously, we end up living in neither. As Barbara Waugh's Soul book points out, we must pick one (for her, the spiritual) to direct our life and to become an authentic leader.
Beyond Certainty (Charles Handy, 1996)
A brilliant social philosopher, Handy shares his reflections on how our world is changing in 35 essays. I particularly recommend the essays "Beyond Certainty," "The Coming Work Culture," and "What is a Company For?" If you like Handy, his best book is the award-winning, The Age of Unreason (1989), more useful than The Age of Paradox (1994). The essentials of both books are covered in this compendium. Harvard Business School publishing chose Handy's "Beyond Certainty" essay as the lead piece in celebrating their 10th anniversary two years ago.
Bobos in Paradise (David Brooks, 2000)
I usually get grief about at least one of my picks and choosing "Bobos" over The End of Work by Jeremy Rifkin could be it this year (wait until you see my Classic pick before e-mailing me). Rifkin's book is brilliant, but a real challenge to read. "Bobos" is like "Tipping Point" - a pleasure to read, with many witty, enlightening points. Brooks' analysis of "Bobos" (Bourgeois Bohemians) is somewhat satirical, but also scary because it is so true (catch his historical analysis of wedding announcements in the Sunday New York Times). He looks at our new upper class as a mixture of our hippie and yuppie cultures, and challenges us, with some prescriptions, to integrate our drive for worldly success with our inner virtues and needs for spirituality.
The Chalice and the Blade: Our History, Our Future (Riane Eisler, 1987)
The Chalice and the Blade has been in the back of my mind for some time. I never had a problem with its voice or its feminine perspective of who we are, why we are who we are, and where we are going. It was more the writing style. It is a dense 300-page book, not an easy read. But it is an important read - a book that will help explain certain things for some, antagonize others, but most decidedly affect how you view the world and our place in it.
Civilization and Its Discontents (Sigmund Freud, 1930)
With a new hardcover edition January 2005 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of this classic, spend some time with what may be Freud's best-known work. He examines questions like, What influences led to the creation of civilization? What determines its course? Freud muses on the inner battle between aggression and eros, looks at human creativity and fulfillment, and investigates the eternal tension between self-interest and the interests of society at large. Is the price we pay for advances for civilization as a whole the decreased happiness of the individual -- as caused by increased guilt?
Crossing the Unknown Sea (David Whyte, 2001)
Whyte is a poet, whose first "business" book, the much praised The Heart Aroused, was not a favorite of mine. Subtitled "Work as a Pilgrimage of Identity," his second book, however, did strike a chord. The layering of his own personal memoirs with poetry, stories and philosophy make this an excellent book for rethinking work, which he defines as "an opportunity for discovering and shaping." My one caveat I ran into in my next book as well: Certain parts ring a little "tinny" after 9/11. There's a bit too much of "the world is your oyster" in the subtext. Just be aware of it and take an intriguing journey with a creative poet.
The Cultural Creatives (Paul Ray & Sherry Anderson, 2000)
When looking for new sociological terms that have entered our language, "cultural creatives" has to be at the top of the list. I first encountered the term about five years ago in an article Ray had written. I then found his manuscript on my Warner books editor's desk, 800 or so pages and "he won't cut it down," I was told. I replied that it was a good article but hardly a book.
This book is a big 370 pages, but it feels right. And I was wrong. Anderson has brought in more, in-depth psychological looks at individuals, which play well with Ray's overarching sociological theme and makes for a stronger book. An enlightening read - after all, Ray claims there are 50 million cultural creatives in the U.S. alone -- even if you skim some of the chapters of less interest to you.
The Death of Competition (James Moore, 1996)
The best on the importance of cooperation to build sustainable competitive advantage: antagonists in some markets, IBM, Microsoft and Intel are important suppliers in others. For those less interested in biological ecology as a metaphor for strategic thinking, the McKinsey award-winning HBR article should suffice (Predators and Prey: A New Ecology of Competition, Ma y-June 1993). If game-theory is your thing, try Co-opetition (Brandenburger and Nalebuff, 1996).
The Dignity of Difference (Jonathan Sacks, 2002)
Orthodox Jonathan Sacks is the Chief Rabbi of the UK. He states his "bias" right up front; I was expecting a bit of dogma. Instead, I found one of the most compelling series of arguments on "how to avoid the clash of civilizations." Certainly a post-9/11 book, it is a well-written testament to tolerance and acceptance of diversity, based on a universal understanding of "seeing God in the face of a stranger."
Driven: How Human Nature Shapes Our Choices (Paul Lawrence & Nitin Nohria, 2002)
Two renowned professors bring together scientific research from several fields to illuminate our understanding of why we do what we do -- and what we can do about it. It is a bit an academic book, but well-written with insights throughout. Their look at what they feel are our four basic drives -- to acquire, bond, learn and defend -- hit home.
The Elephant and the Flea (Charles Handy, 2001)
Making his fourth appearance on this list, Charles Handy's writing is always a joy to read and a fountain of wisdom. An autobiographical book, it does include his incisive perspective on the future of capitalism and careers, as we fly solo as a "flea" for much of the time, latching on to "elephants" (big companies) as needed. I think we all see a lot of ourselves in Handy's witty depiction of his own career.
Expecting Adam (Martha Beck, 1997)
A highly driven, fast track, Harvard-trained couple find out their second child will have Down's syndrome. They decide to keep the child and in so doing change their life. What can you learn about your career from a book on having a Down-syndrome baby? Plenty. The practical and unexpectedly spiritual effects of deciding to bring Adam into the world turn their life upside-down. for the better. While the book is a bit heavy on the "Harvard" stuff, it is a tour de force for getting you to think hard about your priorities. It will have you wondering if you are treasuring your trash and trashing your treasures, and give you permission to live for your heart's desires.
First, Break All the Rules (Marcus Buckingham et al., 1999)
Two consultants for Gallup present their observations on management based on Gallup's 80,000 interviews of managers in 400 companies over 25 years. They come up with 12 questions to measure the strength of a workplace and thus, to give direction to management on how to motivate and retain talented people. Useful suggestions on how to get the best performance from your staff.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven (Mitch Albom, 2003)
From the author of Tuesdays with Morrie, this is the story of the death of an ordinary man, told by weaving together three stories of his life. He then meets five people in heaven, each of whom has passed through his life and had an effect greater than he has imagined. Through them, he will make peace with his life. It can get a bit saccharine at times, but for the most part is poignant story in the milieu of "It's a Wonderful Life."
Flight of the Buffalo (Belasco and Stayer, 1993)
An alternative to The Great Game of Business, this book is a well-structured analysis of how leadership/management must change to create a high-performance, learning organization. A healthy blend of theory and practice (one author is a CEO; the other a professor/ consultant), the book is preferred to "Game" by some CEOs I know, with more practical suggestions they can implement in their organizations.
Free Agent Nation (Daniel Pink, 2001)
I have known Dan Pink from his Fast Company column for a number of years, so I somewhat discounted the book as being an extension of his columns. Wrong again. Divided into five sections, I found the section on "How (and why) Free Agency Works" to be full of insights on how the organization of work and our lives is changing and what to do about it.
Geeks & Geezers (Warren Bennis & Robert Thomas, 2002)
The authors compare and contrast two generations -- those coming of age after WWII and those coming of age in the 1990s. They demonstrate how times and events shape us as leaders. The authors develop an interesting perspective on how we find our moral compass within two dramatically different landscapes of societal expectation and values.
Good Business (Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, 2003)
The author of the much-respected book Flow: The Psychology of the Optimal Experience, Csikszentmihalyi writes about how to create happiness at work through "leadership, flow, and the making of meaning." He applies his principles of "flow" to the business world, demonstrating how visionary leaders have succeeded in running businesses that are both successful and humane. This is a clear presentation of the application of an important concept, flow, to the art of leadership.
The Great Game of Business (Jack Stack, 1992)
Again, a 'must read' for anyone interested in starting their own business or leading a division of a larger company. The personal odyssey of Stack and Springfield Remanufacturing is engagingly written and a practical blueprint for how to "empower" your co-workers and build success as individuals and as a team.
Harry Potter - Any of The Five (J.K Rowling, 1997-2003)
I know I'll get letters on this one, but what can I say? You want a book about character, about loyalty, about how to inspire others through integrity, honesty, and allegiance to a higher cause? Look no further. And who doesn't need a little magic in their lives? I've loved all five and admire how Rowling has made Harry a bit darker as he becomes a "typical" teenager.
High Tech/High Touch (John Naisbitt, 1999)
This book concentrates on one of the trends from the famed Megatrends. Dr. Naisbitt's insights based on his exhaustive research methods are in evidence again. The implications he draws are fascinating, insightful, and thought provoking. As the subtitle suggests, it is a book about "technology and our search for meaning." The first three chapters are, in my opinion, essential reading; the remainder depend on your interests. He draws no conclusions, but will stimulate your thinking.
Hiring Smart (Pierre Mornell, 1998)
If you read one book to turbocharge your career, this is it. This well-designed package of wisdom is not just about hiring, but also about selling yourself. Psychologist Mornell has twenty years experience in the field and offers 45 tips on how to predict winners and losers in the people-reading side of business. Highly accessible and easy to read any way you like, this was the surprise book of the year for yours truly.
How Can I Help? (Ram Dass & Paul Gorman, 1985)
This book puts service to humankind front and center. It is a wonderful compendium of stories and philosophy which remains a delightful resource of direction in times of need.
How Good Do We Have to Be? (Harold Kushner, 1996)
Rabbi Kushner attracted worldwide fame for When Bad Things Happen to Good People. My favorites are When All You Ever Wanted Isn't Enough and this national bestseller on goodness. At the root of our relationship with social responsibility, I believe, is this question about what it means to be a good person. While Rabbi Kushner's focus on goodness is in terms of individual happiness, this work has important implications for considering our responsibility to others.
If Success Is a Game, These Are the Rules (Chérie Carter-Scott, 2000)
Launched by her 10 Rules for Being Human in a Chicken Soup book. Carter-Scott has built a career on this type of book (If Love is a Game; If Life is a Game). Don't be misled by her Oprah-like popularity or the other two books. The first three rules in Success and the discussion that follows are worth the price of the book. She gives you some practical tips, with some philosophy and inspiration - a more practical version, in some ways, of my Making a Life book. There are some good nuggets in here for you, as well as an enjoyable, accessible read.
Jonathan Livingston Seagull (Richard Bach, 1970)
What do you want? It was either this or Machiavelli's The Prince (one of the greatest, but most misunderstood books). And going with my emphasis on ease and enjoyment of reading, this book is an easy winner. I hadn't read the book in thirty years. Received it as a gift, looked through it again, and then decided to read it. Felt a lot different than it did thirty years ago. We all forget to dream, and while JLS is not Lance Armstrong, he is one inspiring bird.
Journey to the East (Hermann Hesse, 1956)
Backpacking around the world, I went through my Hesse phase. I dreamt that someday I might write a Steppenwolf or maybe The Glass Bead Game. Later, I learned to appreciate famed Siddhartha. But now, after 25 years of reflection, this is the story that has stayed with me. As is true in life, this book is not what it appears to be at first. What is the real journey that is taking place? If you are interested in servant leadership, inhale this short, simply mesmerizing spiritual treatise on service. Then read it again.
Kiss of God: Wisdom of a Silent Child (Marshall Stewart Ball, 1999)
Tuesdays with Morrie remains my favorite. Still, this little paperback book may just capture your heart. I first saw Marshall on Oprah, and needed several handkerchiefs after watching the segment. He is simple but profound. You will probably not relate to all of his poetry, but I guarantee several will catch you and affect you. (Part of one of his poems appears at the beginning of section 2.) Sometimes it takes a developmentally challenged child to provide the necessary wisdom for appreciating the big picture in our fast-paced world.
Lanterns: A Memoir of Mentors (Marian Wright Edelman, 1999)
Ms. Edelman is one of my heroes, and this book accounts for many of the reasons why. It is the story of an African-American woman from the South who was the "first" in many of her professional accomplishments, and the people who became her every-day mentors, helping her not to "make a living. but to make a life." It is her story but also the story of a larger human movement for civil rights. Its insights are many. In addition, she concludes the book with twenty-five lessons, though I prefer those in her earlier book. The only criticism I have is that after reading the book, I felt it was difficult to measure up to a Ms. Edelman. I found myself asking, What have I been doing with my time? Never too late to start and this book inspires us to start right now.
The Leadership Engine (Noel Tichy, 1997)
The best of 1997's "management" books. Tichy focuses on how companies create leaders at every level, emphasizing that the role of a leader is to teach and develop other leaders. Not an easy read, but lots of good examples -- many of companies less familiar to most readers.
Leading with Soul (Lee Bolman and Terrence Deal, 1995)
A surprisingly powerful story of one beleaguered executive's quest for passion and purpose in work and in life. This contemporary parable questions what is the true meaning of leadership. Spend one-half hour with it and you will be entranced. An easy, pleasant read. Highly accessible.
The Life of Mahatma Gandhi (Louis Fischer, 1951)
Written only three years after Gandhi's death, many critics feel this is the best biography of Gandhi. Over 600 pages, but well worth the time, you will be surprised by his very human limitations and "sins" as you will be touched by his dedication to his beliefs. An ordinary man with extraordinary resolve and firm convictions, Gandhi's life shines through, causing readers to reflect on their personal values and what's important in one's life.
Life of Pi (Yann Martel, 2002)
More people suggested this book for the list than any before. It was sitting in my pile, so I took it out to read yesterday. They were right. It tells the story of a 16-year-old Indian man who gets stranded in a lifeboat for 227 days with a Bengal tiger. While Martel claims it's a "story that will make you believe in God," and Pi does try on different religions/faiths for size, I think that is pushing it a bit. It will, however, captivate you as you, too, grapple with what is the truth and what is the role of faith versus fact in one's life.
Managing in a Time of Great Change (Peter Drucker, 1995)
I'd recommend almost anything the "dean of management" has written. This stimulating book is a compendium of 25 articles, representing his latest thinking. If short on time, just read the 17 page introductory interview with Drucker, "The Post Capitalist Executive." It will make you think deeply about the skills you need and the demands of tomorrow's business world.
Matsushita Leadership (John Kotter, 1997)
Kotter's Leading Change (1996) would be on this list (an accessible, well-written, step-by-step guide to organizational change) except that I felt an author should only have one book on one list. The Matsushita biography is exceptional and easy to read. The story is about a remarkable entrepreneur, Konoshuke Matsushita, one of the world's most inspirational role models. He overcame poverty and the early deaths of family members to start a business without money or connections. He survived the death of his only son, the great depression and World War II, to build a $65 billion global power. And what are you doing with your free time?
Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus (John Gray, 1992)
Yes, I am serious. In the 1990s, this book sold more copies than any book other than the Bible for a reason. It is good. Very good. I have read it twice and still have a lot to learn. If you are planning to be a business leader, it is important to understand how to work with both sexes. I have looked through dozens of other books on the subject and found none better than this.
Moments of Truth (Jan Carlzon, 1987)
Written during the height of Carlzon's success, this brief paperback lays-out simply but forcefully the ins and outs of creating a true, people-oriented customer service culture. Far better than the hundreds of other 300 page books on the subject. A quick read, and you'll walk away with several practical ideas.
The Origin (Irving Stone, 1980)
In the tradition of his masterpiece on Michelangelo, The Agony and the Ecstasy, Irving Stone's biographical novel of Charles Darwin is insightful look at the man and his times. Darwin's life and research raises issues about the intersection of science and religion, and gets you to think about our role on planet earth. An easy read (yet 700 pages), though a bit slow at times, it is a great story of the trials and tribulations of being an innovator and change agent.
The Paradox of Success (John O'Neil, 1993)
O'Neil's book will take its place over time as the seminal book on issues facing leaders who find that "winning at work means losing in life." Before starting the California School of Professional Psychology, O'Neil himself was a senior executive, and speaks from experience as well as brilliant insight. He challenges you to develop a life plan for sustained business and personal success.
Passages (Gail Sheehy, 1976)
This insightful book led to several more, but this is the original. Selected as one of the most influential books of our times, it does for personal development what Erikson did for the social stages of life. Sheehy writes well. It's a time-consuming read, but you will continually recognize yourself in the revealing research. The finding that got me thinking: The patterns you set in your late twenties and early thirties you carry with you for life.
Permission Marketing (Seth Godin, 1999)
This is a controversial choice among my friends - mostly young Internet gurus. Yes, I know about "permission" and "attention" marketing, but the thing is, this book more than any other I read this year forced me to spend several hours shifting my paradigm of thought about marketing. It builds in many ways on the work by Peppers and Rogers in one-to-one marketing. Still, I thought Mr. Godin fleshed out one important idea well and if you don't understand the difference between "interruption" and "permission" marketing, read his book.
Personal History (Katharine Graham, 1997)
Katharine Graham's unusually candid, Pulitzer Prize-winning book is daunting in length and scope. But if you have the time, you will be treated to a fascinating story told with wit, wisdom and humility. Her life and years at the Washington Post (including the Watergate story) are amazing, as is this truly remarkable CEO, yet the commonplace lessons she describes apply to even us plebeians. If you don't have the time, get the audiocassette.
The Pilgrimage (Paulo Coelho, 1987)
Paulo Coelho already made the 1998 list with The Alchemist, but this seems to be the year of The Pilgrimage, as I know many people who are in transition. This is one of Coelho's first books, originally titled "The Diary of the Magus." A first person account, the book takes you on a magical adventure in search of wisdom and self-discovery. Dealing with fear is an important part of the quest, just as it is when we take a leap of faith to change our lives and careers. Coelho's excellent story-telling delivers the spiritual inspiration wrapped in an exciting tale.
The Present (Spencer Johnson, 2003)
Dr. Johnson made the list two years ago with Who Moved My Cheese? This book is also a quick read that tells one simple story to challenge you to focus on what is truly important in life. Another great discussion starter.
The Prince (Niccolo Machiavelli, 1532)
One of the first "how to get ahead" books. Written in 1513 by an angry, out of work diplomat, The Prince was published posthumously to great debate. Even today, it is arguably one of the greatest, but most misunderstood books. His ability to bring practical realties into political theories and philosophy is remarkable. If you push through this short, but dense book, you will be amazed at his insight, such as his discussion of the interaction between public power and private morality and the preeminence of appearance over reality. He comes right at you, without any "political correctness" or euphemisms to stand in the way.
The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (Terry Ryan, 2001)
You don't have to go to some poor region of the world to make a difference. Start at home. Daughter Terry tells a heartwarming, entertaining and inspirational story of her amazing mother, Evelyn Ryan. With wit and humor, she writes of how a mother with an alcoholic husband who drains family funds brings in extra income to raise a family of ten children in the 1950s by entering contests on the backs of cereal boxes. More than any other book I have read recently, this book "breathes" of how one person can make a difference.
The Red Tent (Anita Diamant, 1997)
I went to hear Diamant speak last year at our local library. I got there 10 minutes early and people had already filled the hall and standing all the way to the front door and onto the lawn. Many are passionate about this book, the fictional life story of Dinah, the daughter of Leah and Jacob. Diamant interweaves biblical tales with characters and events of her own imagination. Yet the novel sounds as if it came right out of the Bible. A unique view of biblical women's society, it opened my eyes on a women's look at some of the best known Genesis stories.
The Republic of Tea (Ziegler, Rosenzweig, and Zeigler, 1992)
This story of how an idea became a business (since sold) is an unique, fascinating account of the evolution of a start-up. Much of the book is a series of faxes sent among the three "zentrepreneurs." Required reading at many business schools, it can be totally engrossing or not your cup of tea (I read it in one all night sitting!).
The River Why (David James Duncan et al., 1983)
The River Why is an unlikely selection since it is about fishing and I am not into fishing. (I agree with Steven Wright that, "There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot.") That said, once you get into this novel - give it 50 pages or so - I think you will find it full of wisdom with joy and a witty writing style. Duncan makes you question how you live your life and what you really want.
Selling the Invisible (Harry Beckwith, 1997)
While certainly not a "great book," it is hard to find one more useful than this practical, little marketing book. Filled with 100 or so short two-page chapters, you can pick it up and put it down whenever you like, sure to walk away with a few good ideas. Tips are founded on marketing principles from renowned marketing gurus, like Ted Levitt (Marketing Intangible Products and Product Intangibles).
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen Covey, 1990)
I don't know why I have not included this book in the list yet. It is one of two or three books we hand out the most to our clients. Covey's exposition of Mormon values and principles are timeless. A must read and re-read. Along with the work of Peale, Carnegie, and Hill, a primer for leading oneself in/at any age.
75 Best Practices for Socially Responsible Companies (Alan Reder, 1995)
A list of innovative best practices by small and large companies impacting employees, customers, suppliers, the community and society-at-large. Better than other similar books on "doing well while doing good," as the 3-5 page examples are well-written and replicable (and include one of Albion's experiments, Applebrook Farms!).
Small is Beautiful (E.F. Schumaker, 1973)
The classic on how business can help build a humane world (subtitle: "Economics as if People Mattered"), it is enjoyable fun reading for some, particularly for those interested in "alternative" economics. A delicious extra.
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch (Eileen Spinelli, 1988)
In Newsletter #91, my good friend, Kenny Moore, wrote about how he was improving morale at KeySpan, based on applying the lessons of a children's book. It is a book about how much of an impact you can have on someone by acknowledging/praising them - especially when it is done anonymously. We can all relate to Mr. Hatch in this book that appeals to all ages, beautifully illustrated by Paul Yalowitz. Great gift for anyone with a heart (and only $6.00!).
The Soul in the Computer (Barbara Waugh, 2001)
I must begin by conceding bias: Barbara is an incredible person I feel fortunate to call "friend." The book, too, is wonderful. It is the story of how a woman leads change from within a corporate giant (Hewlett-Packard). It is a story of integrity, of principled, for-profit work. It shows that you don't have to start your own company to bring your values to work and make a difference.
I could have categorized this book under leadership as well, but the biographical part is critical. It has the power of connecting the integrity of her personal life with her business persona. And you hear directly from someone who has done it. For the "consultant" approach, see Debra Meyerson's Tempered Radicals, based on over 200 interviews with people in three very different organizations.
The Soul of a Business (Tom Chappell, 1993)
One of the best of the "new age" business-management books (though Max Dupree's Leadership as an Art is great, too), this book takes a more spiritual look at how to manage a company for profit and the common good. The author -- founder and president of Tom's of Maine -- left selling insurance to bring his social, ethical and spiritual values to the work place. During his journey, he got a degree at Harvard's School of Divinity, which helped him articulate through his business even more financial successful while maintaining a profound respect for humanity and nature.
The Soul of Money (Lynne Twist, 2003)
Lynne Twist has raised over $150 million to combat hunger and preserve indigenous cultures through organizations like The Hunger Project and her own Pachamama Alliance. Here, Lynne takes us into the poorest parts of the world -- into her intimate meetings with those who have a voice, like Mother Teresa and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and with those whose voices have gone unheard. We learn from the poor how to realign our relationship with money and live a more vital life.
The Story of B (Daniel Quinn, 1996)
Quinn's Ishmael made the 1998 list. I have now read it five times and consider it one of the most challenging books I have ever read. "Challenging" in the sense that it forces you to rethink humankind's role and purpose, and your place in the world as well. My Ishmael was an unsatisfying follow-up in that it extended the story but did little to enhance the philosophy. Not so with B.
This book deepens Quinn's philosophy with the intriguing mystery of a priest sent by the Church to investigate an itinerant preacher who some say is the Antichrist. His speeches across Europe are recounted in detail in an 85-page "epilogue," which allows Quinn to deepen the philosophy begun in Ishmael. If nothing else, the book will force you to rethink your assumptions about Western civilization and will challenge some of your deepest beliefs about our world.
The Tipping Point (Malcolm Gladwell, 2000)
This is the perfect book for cocktail conversation - as well as to get you to think a little differently and a bit more deeply about marketplace trends, careers and sales growth (How's that for an unlikely combination?). A staff writer for The New Yorker, Gladwell knows how to write. Fun to read, the book explains why major changes - epidemics - happen in society so suddenly and unexpectedly, including topics such as teenage smoking, crime reduction in New York city, best-selling books, educational television, direct mail and super salespeople.
True Professionalism (David Maister, 1997)
I detest most leadership books. There are the few great observers (Bennis, Drucker, Kotter and Tichy), but I find I'm usually wasting my time on stuff I can't implement. Not so with Maister's practical look at how to manage people in a professional firm. When Warren Buffett says his only two tasks are to allocate resources and find a way to motivate high-level people working for him, the latter task means read this book.
Waiting for the Mountain to Move (Charles Handy, 1999)
Here, this brilliant social philosopher offers a compendium of his reflections on work and life that only solidifies the high regard he deserves. The 150-page book includes 65 of his "Thoughts for the Day" commentaries done over a ten year period for the BBC. His personal preface on his father's death is worth the price of the book. Sample and enjoy, as Mr. Handy helps you bring meaning and purpose into your life as no one else can.
When Corporations Rule the World (David Korten, 1995)
I have been asking myself for two years, Should I recommend it? So, I reread it this year and only wondered why I hadn't recommended it before. This is a polemic, wake-up call book, and I guess that tone bothered me. It says that institutions are failing us and we must do something about it. But books make it on this list because they push you to think a little differently, a little more deeply about yourself and our world. Mr. Korten does that brilliantly, and while I might not agree with all his conclusions, he does. And that makes this a powerful book to read and incorporate into your own thinking.
Who Moved My Cheese? (Spencer Johnson, 1998)
Unlike Habits, I kept this book off the list purposely until I was forced to admit how effective it has been for so many people. A quick read that tells one simple story to challenge you to take control of your life by accepting change, taking risks, and knowing what is required to do both. Great discussion starter at home or at work.
Working Identity (Herminia Ibarra, 2003)
This study of 39 mid-career, college-educated professionals provides multiple perspectives and short case studies rarely found in "career" books. Professor Ibarra argues three major points: 1. There are many "selves;" 2. We find our "dream job" by repeated trials; and, 3. To change what we do, we must change our network of friends. This book is filled with fresh insights rarely found in any "career" books.
The Working Life (Joanne Ciulla, 2000)
While Robert Putnam's lengthy treatise Bowling Alone turned a seminal article into a dense, though important book, I felt that Joanne Ciulla's somewhat neglected book on the promise and betrayal of work really stood out this year. Ms. Ciulla uses sociological research to look at fascinating questions like "Why are the two common expressions 'Get a Job!' and 'Get a Life!' so necessary, and so antithetical?" Be sure to read at least the first of the three sections of the book. (The Meanings of Work, Working for Others and Work Life). The history of how we have looked at work and how we have defined "the good life" is enlightening.
Zen and the Art of Making a Living (Laurence Boldt, 1992)
The parachute books are useful, and there are hundreds about finding purpose, meaning, work you love, etc. The best is Boldt's 600-page workbook. Lots of philosophy and quotations mixed with a practical guide for creative career design. The sections are easy to move in and out of depending on your needs. Comprehensive, useful, and maybe even life changing.
Other dr. Mark ML2 Recommendations
The Cathedral Within (Bill Shore, 1999)
The book inspires you to serve others with examples both from his life and the lives of other social entrepreneurs. Highly readable and an entertaining writing style, too.
The Intuitive Businesswoman (Judy George, 2000)
Judy George is a mother, grandmother, and founder and CEO of the thriving Northeastern chain of home furnishing stores, Domain. (She is also the subject of a chapter of Mark Albion's book.) In observing the shopping behavior of women for decades, Judy developed four basic categories to describe lifestyle preferences: the adventure, artisan, idealist, and visionary. In this book, Judy has used these lifestyle categories to profile 12 very successful business women (three in each category) and the differences in how they attained success. Entertaining and insightful.
Natural Capitalism (Paul Hawken et al., 1999)
Paul Hawken, Amory and Hunter Lovins team up to offer a practical, insightful book on how leading-edge companies are creatively taking care of Mother Earth, while also improving their bottom line. There have been a number of books on this subject, but this is the real thing. When you combine pragmatism with creative genius you get a book we all will learn from. Hawken's Ecology of Commerce (1993) is good, but this book makes the decade's earlier promises come alive.
The New Pioneers (Thomas Petzinger, Jr., 1999)
A veteran Wall Street Journal columnist, Tom profiles dozens of business leaders who are transforming the 21st century economy. Included in his profiles are two leaders who are chapter studies in Mark Albion's book: Nick Gleason, a Harvard MBA who eschewed big salaries to launch CitySoft - our partners on this Website and a company that trains and hires urban residents for website development; and Leni Joyce, Mark's mother, who began her textile business after the age of 50 and has carved out a unique specialty-niche through a family-based culture for Asian immigrants who create exceptional, one-of-a-kind products. If you want to learn about innovation at the ground level, through short stories of the people doing it, this is your book.
The Working Mother's Guide to Life (Linda Mason, 2002)
Linda is co-founder and chair of Bright Horizons Family Solutions, the largest work-site childcare provider in the world. While the book is based on extensive interviews with working moms, Linda has three children herself. [See Newsletter #58] http://www.makingalife.com/hearthunting/enews/news58.htm She is a tremendous mother and wife, as well as a superb, seasoned executive, who has shown that it is possible to "have it all," spread througout the different chapters of one's life.
