Recommended Reading List


A selection of books that I have read and recommend. You can purchase any these titles through Amazon by following the links provided. Please feel free to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  your suggestions and feedback on the booklist.

 

 

Frogs Into Princes (neuro linguistic programming)

Richard Bandler and John Grinder

Frogs Into Princes is an edited transcript from audiotapes of introductory training workshops conducted by Richard Bandler and John Grinder. It is a fascinating introduction to Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP).

 

 

Iron John: A Book About Men

Robert Bly

The Guardian says "...needs to be read...". I could not agree more. I read Iron John at a time in my career when I was examining the changing role of men in modern society and in particular the business environment. The story of Iron John provided me with profound personal insights and the opportunity to review my understanding of myself and others. Whatever you do, if you are young or old, male or female, fresh-faced or wisened - just read Iron John. It has nothing to do with business and everything to do with the very personal journey of boys becoming men in a modern world.

 

 

You Can Negotiate Anything

Herb Cohen

You Can Negotiate Anything teaches the basics of the different negotiating styles and how to work with them effectively. I recommend it for anyone who has to deal with other people and wants to understand the dynamics of power, time and influence on negotiations.

 

 

How to Win Friends & Influence People

Dale Carnegie

This classic from Dale Carnegie is a must read for anyone who is interested in improving their interpersonal relationships. I first read this book as a teenager. Although I struggled with the dated expressions, I found the content inspiring and practical. I read it again from time to time and recognise the timeless wisdom in its pages. It is more than twenty years since I first read the book and I still find valuable lessons in it today.

 

 

The Richest Man in Babylon

George S. Clason

A simple parable about the rules that apply to wealth creation.

 

 

 

Executive EQ

Robert Cooper and Ayman Sawaf

This is the most highlighted book in my library. Every page has fluorescent marks underlining important passages and quotes. The depth of research and the resulting quality of insight into the emotional realm is life altering. I owe a debt of gratitude to a friend for buying Executive EQ as a gift for me. Unfortunately this book sat on my bookshelf for ten years before I read it. Do not make the same mistake as I did. Read this book, but do not rush the reading. I have read and re-read so many pages that it took me twice as long to read, yet I know that I got ten times the value from doing so.

 

 

The E-Myth

Michael E. Gerber

Why most small businesses don't work and what to do about it.

The E-myth taught me how to get the basics right in the development of a small business. It is told in parable style and although easy to read is deceptively simple. I recommend this book for all small business owners and those considering a startup. Read this before you think about anything else.

 

 

Rules For Revolutionaries

Guy Kawasaki

The capitalist manifesto for creating and marketing new products and services.

 

 

The Art of the Start

Guy Kawasaki

The time-tested, battle-hardened guide for anyone starting anything.

 

 

Selling the Dream

Guy Kawasaki

I owe a debt of gratitude to Guy Kawasaki for writing Selling the Dream. This is classic Guy Kawasaki. The concept of evangelism that he utilised at Macintosh is explored in greater detail and presented as a roadmap for you or your organisation. I highly recommend this book and regularly refer to it as inspiration for new projects. How times have changed since the early Macintosh days; I now follow Guy on Twitter and he very kindly follows back.

 

 

Rich Dad, Poor Dad

Robert T. Kiyosaki

What the rich teach their kids about money, that the poor and middle class do not.

This book taught me the real difference between an asset and a liability. I was lucky enough to see Robert in Australia in 1998 and he was kind enough to sign my copy of his book. Thank you Robert.

 

 

The Shock Doctrine

Naomi Klein

The rise of disaster capitalism.

 

 

McDonald's: Behind The Arches

John F. Love

I purchased this book because of my interest in global brands and business. Behind the Arches is a fascinating story of the origins of McDonald's and how its lean management, long term strategy and commitment to excellence drove business performance.

 

 

Winning Through Intimidation

Robert J. Ringer

Do not be put off by the title. This book opened my eyes to the art of negotiation. It provides an entertaining and informative framework for successful negotiations.

 

 

Differentiate or Die

Jack Trout

Survival in our era of killer competition.

 

 

Jack: Straight from the Gut

Jack Welch

Classic Jack Welch on his time at GE.

 


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