The Scholastic Book Fair was hands down one of the best days in elementary school. The smell of freshly bound books filled the hallways. The joy of missing class permeated our young enthusiasm. And the one kid that bought the new version of the Guinness Book of World Records every year encapsulated true childhood innocence.
We learn at an early age, reluctantly or joyously, reading is essential. If you want to lead, you have to read. Harry Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, encapsulates that in one of his most famous quotes, “Not all readers become leaders. But all leaders must be readers.”
This is no Scholastic Book Fair, but, as adults, it’s as close as we are going to get, so let’s pull up a chair, gather around the table, and read about what Dallas-area executives are reading about. From leadership tactics to historical backtracks, leaders from the entertainment industry to healthcare are digging into a plethora of curious topics.
Good to Great by Jim Collins
“Good to Great by Jim Collins is an incredibly motivating and impactful book about the type of leadership and management that differentiates great companies from good ones. Although it was written almost 20 years ago, it remains extremely relevant today. The key takeaway is the importance of being a humble, ‘Level 5’ leader, which creates a culture of excellence and camaraderie. Every business leader can learn a lot from this book.”
Wanda Gierhart Fearing, Cinemark
The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham
“In The Road Less Stupid, Keith Cunningham takes everyday business challenges, breaks them down in a way that’s easy to understand, and presents simple models for overcoming them. He helps owners avoid what he calls the ‘dumb tax.’”
Liana Dunlap, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International
The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson
“The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson tells the story of Churchill’s first year as prime minister. It’s a reminder that people can persevere through a lot, that relationships matter, and that a little eccentricity isn’t all bad.”
Brent Christopher, Children’s Medical Center Foundation
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High by Kerry Patterson
“Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High is about so much more than communication. It is about creating better environments and better relationships to accomplish great things—both professionally and personally.”
Noelle C. LeVeaux, Communities Foundation of Texas
Winning by Jack Welch
“Winning by Jack Welch uses real-life events and circumstances to teach the importance of candor within an organization, delegation and trust among leaders, and the ability to make hard decisions quickly and rationally.”
Blake Kendrick, Stream Realty Partners
In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson
“In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson illustrates why we must all be vigilant and speak up when we see wrong things happening. It tells the story of the terrible consequences society can face when people remain silent.”
Ann Marie Painter, Perkins Coie
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
“The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho encourages you to pursue your dreams. It’s about a shepherd who is on a quest to realize his ‘personal legend.’ We all have our own personal legend; we just need to listen to our hearts.”
Miguel Molina, Avocados From Mexico
