Sunday, January 6, 2013

Best Inspirational Business Books on Life

Americans are big fans of those simple bits of advice that "just make sense" and "cut through all the crap" to explain "what you really need to know" in order to "succeed in business and in life."  From the earliest days of the republic when Founding Father and fountain of wisdom Benjamin Franklin offered his Poor Richards's Almanac filled with aphorisms, Americans have literally eaten up the sort of books that offer the aphorisms and advice that will enable them to, in the words of Henry David Thoreau, "live the life they have imagined."  That said, I have taken a look at the business books that have really rung true in the advice they offer.  As an English teacher, I read a lot of books, and I recommend a book a day to my students.  Thus, I am always looking for those books that seem to sum up the lessons that are generally the same and that point people in the direction they need to go.  The book that inspired this post is one  by Daniel Pink - an "Ideas Guru" - who has written for the Washington Post before developing a series of business-oriented lifestyle books.  That book was:

The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Advice Guide You'll Every Need.

This "business book" is written in the form of a Manga comic book, which appeals to younger readers in a multi-genre sort of way.

Other great books that simplify and really clarify the business and life experience are:

The One Minute Manager

Who Moved My Cheese

How to Win Friends and Influence People

A Whole New Mind

These are great, accessible books that you should read if you are interested in becoming better at what you do.


3 comments:

Mike Thiac said...

Something to add if you haven't read it. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. It really is an excellent story of how the man, in spite of his many shortcomings was inspired to incredible success. After reading it I recommended to my nephews nieces just starting out.

mmazenko said...

Thanks, Mike.

I haven't read it, but it's definitely on my list.

Unknown said...

Interesting books, I have now the urge to read this. I have read inspirational books for women and it was great. It helps me to be more motivated and more inspired for every challenges and experiences I had.