Ely’s Top Reads -1st Quarter of 2022
Last year I read the most amount of books I have ever read. This year I wanted to surpass that goal. I didn’t have a specific number in mind. Instead I simply did not want to stop. I wanted to go from one book to the other and find a way to read, even if for just a few minutes, every single day.
Of course, this goal does not include the number of news articles, work blogs and magazine articles from the Harvard Business Review, RV Magazine, Florida Trend, The Economist, and National Geographic, to name just a few, that I read on a daily basis. Did I mention I’m also working on my third book?
By the time the first quarter of this year ended I had read twelve books. Wow! Could I possibly read twelve books every quarter? I am not sure if I will be able to do that, however I decided I wanted to share the books I have read each quarter and not wait until the end of the year.
My top books for the first quarter in 2022 are:
12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson
Crucified by many who have never heard him speak and loved by those who have taken the time to discover, listen and learn about his thinking, teachings and life, Jordan completely won me over. There is nothing better than to truly understand the world exactly as it is.
Poor Dad Rich Dad by Roberto Kiyosaki
I read this book for the first time around 2003 right after buying my first investment property. This year, I wanted a reminder of his lessons to make sure I was on the right track. Robert helps us understand the thinking of someone who works for their money versus someone who allows their money to work for them. A great reminder that it takes time, dedication and plenty of sacrifices to achieve financial freedom. You either spend your money or you buy an asset, the choice is yours.
Why do so many incompetent men become leaders? (and how to stop it) by Thomas Chamorro-Premuzic
I came across this book while reading an article in the Harvard Business Review called 7 Leadership lessons men can learn from women. I was not only surprised to find that a man had written the article but that he researched and wrote an entire book about the subject. A great book for anyone in an organization in charge of promoting people. You will be surprised to learn how quickly you can turn a company around by simply hiring the right people.
Bridges out of Poverty by Ruby Payne
Assigned to me as part of my Leadership Florida class, it was incredibly eye opening. I had the privilege and the opportunity to meet the author and spend over an hour getting to know her in a one-on-one setting. Her research, thinking and ideas are remarkable. If only individuals, companies, and the systems in place could all learn to understand poverty, people and simply think outside their box. You will be surprised to learn the ways in which each social class differs.
The 48 Laws of Power By Roberto Greene
From sick to my stomach to must-do rules of life I follow, this book took me through a wide range of emotions and made me think of many instances in my life where I wish I had known how the world truly operates. From advising you to crush your enemy completely to avoiding infectious people, the book took me on a journey in time as the author vividly described how each rule has been used throughout history and how I can use them to my advantage in modern times.
Whether I agreed or even liked the books I read, I always learn something new with each one of them. The goal is not always to read from those who share our thoughts and ideas but rather to read to understand those who think differently than we do. Furthermore it allows me the opportunity to either discover something new about myself or question my current ideas or beliefs.
Through learning comes understanding which leads to effective communication between people, groups and even countries who think differently.
Other books read as of today:
- Cultish: The language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell
- Wordslut: A feminist guide to taking back the English Language by Amanda Montell
- Fierce Love- Creating a love that lasts one conversation at a time by Susan Scott
- The Catalyst: How to change anyone’s mind by Jonah Berger
- The innovation Stack by Jim Mckelvey
- How remarkable women lead by Joanna Baush and Susie Cranston
- Competing in the age of AI by Marco Lansity
- Teaming to Innovate by Amy C Edmondson
- The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the workplace for learning, innovation and growth by Amy Edmondson
- Humble Inquiry: The Gentle art of Asking instead of Telling
- By Edgar H. Schein
Currently reading:
- My life in North Florida — 12 short reads by Kermit Marlin Brown
- Pay up — The Future of Women and Work (and why it;s different than you think) by Reshma Saujani
- Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
- The Book of Gutsy Women: Favorite Stories of Courage and Resilience by Hillary and Chelsea Clinton
