We believe in life-long learning. The books we read enrich our lives and give us a blueprint for continual improvement in all kinds of areas.
(Okay, we tend to listen to books as often as we read them—we’re partial to Audible audio books so we can learn while we walk, do chores, or commute when we need to.)
Since we work with so many small business clients, we’re always on the lookout for books we think might give them an edge. We asked some of our staff for their top books for small business success. Here they are!
What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith
This book was sometimes difficult to read because it points out behaviors that many of us, as leaders, have come to think of as personality traits or quirks, but that are really holding us back from being better leaders. Since reading the book, I have caught myself before committing several of the actions it describes. I can’t believe the immediate changes! I used to be quick to explain to someone with an idea why that idea won’t work. Now I leave it at, “Thank you for your suggestion. I’ll keep that in mind.” Not only do I no longer discourage people from trying to think up new ideas, but I’m able to be a more receptive and thoughtful person.
–Jewelene Miller, CX Operations Manager
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
This book, by one of the world’s leading researchers of motivation, distinguishes between fixed and growth mindsets. A person with a fixed mindset believes that their intelligence, skills, and abilities will not change, they are inherent and there is nothing they can do change that. Someone with a growth mindset believes that learning is the key to life.
–Karen Booze, Account Executive Manager
How Google Works by Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg
This book has a lot of great takeaways about how Google runs their business. Some of my favorites had to do with interviewing candidates, because hiring the right people is absolutely key to having a successful business. Don’t settle for a “B” candidate when you should be striving for the “A.” I also liked what they had to say about making decisions. You don’t get real buy-in until all the choices have been discussed and to reach a real consensus, you need dissent. Not everyone should have the same opinion on a matter, if that’s the case than you just have people who want to say “yes” because they believe that’s what everyone else wants to hear. Finally, the idea that we should be spending 80 percent of our time on the most important 80 percent of our business. Exploring other opportunities makes sense too, but don’t forget about what got you all this way.
–Andrea Seelye, CX Team Coach
Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by John J. Ratey and Eric Hagerman
This must-read book uncovers the mystery of how exercise reinforces mind-body connections. People who think exercise is too much work should read Spark to learn about the physical changes activity brings about in the body and their benefits for mental health and as preventive medicine. The authors even describe how a particular kind of squat exercise can build learning capacity in the brain!
–Sambasivam Mani, Senior Client Servicing Technician
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High by Kerry Patterson
Not only was this is book great to read from a business perspective, it also taught me a lot on a personal level. Patterson introduces five valuable skills for important interactions, forming the acronym “STATE”: Share your facts, Tell your story, Ask for others’ paths, Talk tentatively, and Encourage testing. If you are someone who has a hard time getting emotional or feels vulnerable if they open up, this book will teach you a different way to view your actions. I generally tend to be pretty abrasive. The biggest thing I took away from this book how to make these changes within myself.
–Rebecca Goodhouse, Operations Manager
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t by Jim Collins
Good to Great hit it out of the park for me. His answer to the question, “why should we attempt to be great?” is worth the price of admission—but I won’t spoil the discovery for you! Two concepts in the book really stuck with me. First, the “hedgehog strategy” that involves asking what you’re deeply passionate about, what drives your economic engine, and what can you be the best in the world at. Second, the “flywheel” concept—take small steps forward, consistent with the hedgehog strategy, to build momentum, energy, and results. I found myself making changes to my daily practice as I read through this book.
–Shaw Millerman, Director of Customer Success
The New Rules of Sales and Service by David Meerman Scott
The New Rules of Sales and Service is a great read for anyone interested in modernizing their sales and customer service efforts. There are some great tips around how to actually use content and social media, how salespeople need to evolve into a more consultative role, and the need for customer service to be proactive and focused on an enduring client relationship instead of simply reacting to complaints and issues. Lots of great takeaways and ideas you can implement today!
–Natalie Fung, CEO
Are you interested in finding out about more good books for small business owners? Join our AnswerConnect Online Book Club on Goodreads! We’d love to find out what you’re reading and how it helps you in your business.
(Top photo: Leeds Library via Flickr user Michael D. Beckwith via Creative Commons)
