Coming Soon!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Reading list for Feb-2011
Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and DeliveryPresentation designer and internationally acclaimed communications expert Garr Reynolds, creator of the most popular Web site on presentation design and delivery on the net — presentationzen.com — shares his experience in a provocative mix of illumination, inspiration, education, and guidance that will change the way you think about making presentations with PowerPoint or Keynote. Presentation Zen challenges the conventional wisdom of making "slide presentations" in today’s world and encourages you to think differently and more creatively about the preparation, design, and delivery of your presentations. Garr shares lessons and perspectives that draw upon practical advice from the fields of communication and business. Combining solid principles of design with the tenets of Zen simplicity, this book will help you along the path to simpler, more effective presentations.
The little BIG things: 163 ways to pursue EXCELLENCEI'm a big fan of Tom Peters and Tom's has had a very big influence on me. I have read all his books (and most of the books he recommends). This book is similar to the previous ones in content, style and presentation. These 163 nuggets started in his blog and has taken a grand shape. It talks and enlightens about everything under the sun. The BIG book is divided into chapters on Crisis, Opportunity, Resilience, Connection, Attitude, Performance, Work, Initiative, Leadership, Networking, Talent, Innovation, Learning, Design etc., for easy navigation. Its going to be fun to read and digest all these nuggets.
The Power of Less: The Six Essentials Principles That Will Change Your LifeThough we are surrounded by what we want, our desire to keep and still get more creates a pressure that we cannot tolerate. But we do not need to 'keep up with the Joneses'. The flip side of our society's growth is that we can choose what to accept, and what not to accept: what to keep, and what to lose, joyfully and consciously. With this handbook of simplicity, Leo Babauta shows us: why less is powerful; how to know what you want, and what you need; and, how to choose what is essential, and clear out the rest. With "The Power of Less", you will be able to start a complete shift from wanting everything to needing nothing, be able to live your life simply without compromise, and discover that though we cannot have everything we want, we can obtain anything we will ever need. With this book, you will find how to go through life not carefully, but carefreely.
The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent: Living the Art of AllowingThis leading-edge book by Esther and Jerry Hicks, who present the teachings of the nonphysical entity Abraham, is about having a deliberate intent for whatever you want in life, while at the same time balancing your energy along the way. But it’s important to note that the awareness of the need to balance your energy is much more significant than goal-setting or focusing on ultimate desires. And it is from this very important distinction that this work has come forth.
Thank you very much,
RamP!
ramp [dot] ramp [at] gmail [dot] com
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
My Top 10 How-To Books
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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