Recently, I compiled a list of my Top 10, "how-to" books when a friend asked me to do so. Just thought of sharing the same over here.
Here we go: (not in the order of priority)
1. As a Man Thinketh - James Allen (free e-book here and free Kindle edition here)
Much before I read/heard books like "The Secret", "The law of attraction", etc., this short and powerful book that one can read in 45mins, inspired me and drove home the point that its all in the mind and thoughts shape one's life. I always have a copy of this book with me.
2. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen Covey
No need to write anything about this book. I have read this over 50 times in the last 15 years and felt Covey is talking to me. Each time I read, I get a different understanding and become a little more effective. I also read this book, especially the Habit 1 - Being Proactive, whenever I'm down to get a quick boost.
3. The richest man in Babylon - George S Clason (free abridged e-book here)
All my financial planning and discipline is traced to this book, when a kind soul introduced me to this in 1997. Wish I had got it lot earlier. An essential guide for anyone who wants to protect and increase their wealth. Based on the famous "Babylonian principles," it's been hailed as the greatest of all inspirational works on the subject of thrift and financial planning.
4. Getting Things Done - David Allen (free e-book here)
GTD has become a paradigm. East to follow, simple steps to achieve higher productivity. If you follow his suggestions on email handling thing alone, it is guaranteed to increase your productivity.
5. In Search of Excellence - Tom Peters
Not sure it is a fair idea to classify it as a "how to" book. This is one of the early management books I read and caught the fever. I could believe that I can initiate change and improve organizations only after I read this book. The belief remains so till day.
6. Your Erroneous Zones - Wayne Dyer
The ultimate "how to" book in terms of presentation. Dr. Dyer lists some 9-10 erroneous zones (worry, guilt, approval, anger etc.,). For each of these, he lists: 1. How to identify whether you are infected with one. 2. What are the pay-offs for people to remain within the erroneous zone and 3. How to overcome the same.
7. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff - Richard Carlson
Simple, Practical and that can be used by everyone and everyday. He puts it in so simple and persuading way which makes you not to sweat. And one realizes that its all small stuff.
8. The Art of the Start - Guy Kawasaki (free e-book here)
This is a must book for any wannabe entrepreneur to read. The content is awesome and presentation is simply great. The chapters are according to the life cycle - From the art of positioning, to the art of hiring, to the art of fund raising and finally to the art of rain making (about 10 chapters or so). Each one filled with the mistakes folks tend to make and practical advice on how to go about doing things at a particular stage.
9. The law of success - Napoleon Hill
This is an age old classic and a must read for anyone interested in self-development. As Hill tells somewhere, failure is not even an option for people follow the principles persistently. Though the book appears be voluminous (500+ pages), an easy read, with sufficient examples, instructions to follow-through and common sense. One can believe that he too can be successful. Wish my sons to read this as soon as they can.
10. Leadership is an Art - Max De Pree
Reading this book was an "out of the world" experience. "Astonishing" says Bill Clinton. As the author says in the introduction, this is not a book of "how", but "why". But I decided to add it here, because if you know "why", you can always find "how". My leadership qualities are extremely heavily influence by this book and I continue to strive to serve my team, as a leader, as De Pree points out (the obligations of a leader). If you want to read only one book on leadership, this is THE one.
The following are some other very good books that has influenced me, but could not make it to above list. I put it here for completeness.
1. Mastery - George Leonard
2. Tom Peters Seminar, In pursuit of WoW! - Tom Peters
3. Execution - Larry Bossidy, Ram Charan
4. Tribes, Linchpin - Seth Godin
5. The Power of Passion - Kazuo Inamori-san (Kyocera founder)
6. The Art of Possibility - Roz and Ben Zander
7. Monk who sold Ferrari and other books - Robin Sharma
8. Lateral Thinking and other books by Edward De Bono
9. Principle Centered Leadership, First Things First - Covey
10. Rich Dad, Poor Dad - Robert Kiyosaki
What are your favourities?
Thank you very much,
RamP!
ramp [dot] ramp [at] gmail [dot] com
Here we go: (not in the order of priority)
1. As a Man Thinketh - James Allen (free e-book here and free Kindle edition here)
Much before I read/heard books like "The Secret", "The law of attraction", etc., this short and powerful book that one can read in 45mins, inspired me and drove home the point that its all in the mind and thoughts shape one's life. I always have a copy of this book with me.
2. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen Covey
No need to write anything about this book. I have read this over 50 times in the last 15 years and felt Covey is talking to me. Each time I read, I get a different understanding and become a little more effective. I also read this book, especially the Habit 1 - Being Proactive, whenever I'm down to get a quick boost.
3. The richest man in Babylon - George S Clason (free abridged e-book here)
All my financial planning and discipline is traced to this book, when a kind soul introduced me to this in 1997. Wish I had got it lot earlier. An essential guide for anyone who wants to protect and increase their wealth. Based on the famous "Babylonian principles," it's been hailed as the greatest of all inspirational works on the subject of thrift and financial planning.
4. Getting Things Done - David Allen (free e-book here)
GTD has become a paradigm. East to follow, simple steps to achieve higher productivity. If you follow his suggestions on email handling thing alone, it is guaranteed to increase your productivity.
5. In Search of Excellence - Tom Peters
Not sure it is a fair idea to classify it as a "how to" book. This is one of the early management books I read and caught the fever. I could believe that I can initiate change and improve organizations only after I read this book. The belief remains so till day.
6. Your Erroneous Zones - Wayne Dyer
The ultimate "how to" book in terms of presentation. Dr. Dyer lists some 9-10 erroneous zones (worry, guilt, approval, anger etc.,). For each of these, he lists: 1. How to identify whether you are infected with one. 2. What are the pay-offs for people to remain within the erroneous zone and 3. How to overcome the same.
7. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff - Richard Carlson
Simple, Practical and that can be used by everyone and everyday. He puts it in so simple and persuading way which makes you not to sweat. And one realizes that its all small stuff.
8. The Art of the Start - Guy Kawasaki (free e-book here)
This is a must book for any wannabe entrepreneur to read. The content is awesome and presentation is simply great. The chapters are according to the life cycle - From the art of positioning, to the art of hiring, to the art of fund raising and finally to the art of rain making (about 10 chapters or so). Each one filled with the mistakes folks tend to make and practical advice on how to go about doing things at a particular stage.
9. The law of success - Napoleon Hill
This is an age old classic and a must read for anyone interested in self-development. As Hill tells somewhere, failure is not even an option for people follow the principles persistently. Though the book appears be voluminous (500+ pages), an easy read, with sufficient examples, instructions to follow-through and common sense. One can believe that he too can be successful. Wish my sons to read this as soon as they can.
10. Leadership is an Art - Max De Pree
Reading this book was an "out of the world" experience. "Astonishing" says Bill Clinton. As the author says in the introduction, this is not a book of "how", but "why". But I decided to add it here, because if you know "why", you can always find "how". My leadership qualities are extremely heavily influence by this book and I continue to strive to serve my team, as a leader, as De Pree points out (the obligations of a leader). If you want to read only one book on leadership, this is THE one.
The following are some other very good books that has influenced me, but could not make it to above list. I put it here for completeness.
1. Mastery - George Leonard
2. Tom Peters Seminar, In pursuit of WoW! - Tom Peters
3. Execution - Larry Bossidy, Ram Charan
4. Tribes, Linchpin - Seth Godin
5. The Power of Passion - Kazuo Inamori-san (Kyocera founder)
6. The Art of Possibility - Roz and Ben Zander
7. Monk who sold Ferrari and other books - Robin Sharma
8. Lateral Thinking and other books by Edward De Bono
9. Principle Centered Leadership, First Things First - Covey
10. Rich Dad, Poor Dad - Robert Kiyosaki
What are your favourities?
Thank you very much,
RamP!
ramp [dot] ramp [at] gmail [dot] com
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