Executive education …

Fortunately over the past few years I have had the opportunity to do a study of some of the most significant material to be published for business during the last several years.

Unfortunately, the business section of bookstores are filled with a host of books usually designed more to feed the ego of the writer than to build the skills, abilities, or insights of business leaders. However, there are some books out there that are especially beneficial for business leaders who want to grow as a professional. So, here are a few titles of some outstanding books that business leaders would benefit from:

“Raving Fans!” by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles is probably the best book on the market to really get you thinking about outstanding customer service.

“Good to Great” and “Built to Last,” both written by Jim Collins. Outstanding work looking at what it takes to move a company from “good” to “great,” and how to build an organization to last.

Patrick Lencioni has made a dramatic and positive impact on material for business leaders. All of his books are worth purchasing, making time to read, and sharing with co-workers. Those titles include: “The Three Signs of a Miserable Job,” “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team,” “Silos, Politics, and Turf Wars,” “Death by Meeting,” “The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive,” “The Five Temptations of a CEO,” and “The Three Big Questions for a Frantic Family.”

A surprising add to the “worth reading” list would be the lesser known but successful book, “Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done,” by Larry Bossidy, Ram Charan, and Charles Burck.

The book “Winning” by Jack Welch is definitely worth a read. Jack was considered to be the best manager in America during his highly successful tenure with GE. This book includes practical insights from a guy who knows what he’s talking about when it comes to successfully managing a business.

Finally, but most importantly, let’s start all over again with the most vital title: the Bible. A business person who doesn’t first conform his or her ethics, desires and practices to the will and teaching of God is another worldly person doing his or her own thing. Start with Scripture, grow in Christ, and then sharpen your skills.

Happy reading!

Scotty