Picking a few favorite books is like asking one to pick a favorite child. I guess some can but it’s definitely not possible for me. And in this case, when you have 100’s and 1000’s of book you’ve fallen in love with it’s practically impossible.
And yet I’ve made an attempt here to pick three as someone at work asked me to recently and I tried to keep it current, relevant and focused it on what I think we need the most in this day and age.
- Career and purpose as a woman and mom: Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu – This was an author and book I heard of because of Dell at one of the Women’s Day sessions they held. Author Tiffany Dufu, brilliant presence and her book ‘Drop the Ball’ I can’t say enough about it as a woman – and this is for all women, there is no such thing as working or at home – we are all working and now we’re almost all at home too. Anyways the reason this is such a great career book is because of how honestly and unforgivingly she portrays the challenges and demands on a woman as a wife, mother, member of society and how we are a lot of the time our own biggest enemy. It is autobiographical and talks about time management, career, about expectations and about centering all of it with what your purpose is.
- Career and Leadership: The Five dysfunctions of a team by Patrick Lencioni – This is one of my favorite books of all time. It’s set up like a fable, short quick read and I think I’ve harassed some of my close friends and family to read it because I think it is just that good 🙂 it talks about the fundamental often underrated or ignored dynamics of what makes amazing teams and how to address the dysfunctions which we absolutely have to if we want to get to the next level. It’s a fable and may appear simplistic and naive even but it really is that straightforward – don’t ignore the elephant in the room and don’t expect things to change if you continue doing that. I’m an optimist so I believe it is possible to make those changes.
- Parenting and future leaders: My third book is one I recommend as a parent. Most have heard about Grit by Angela Druckman but this book speaks about it from the angle of a parent, an educator and really dives into the education system and the qualities like grit and perseverance and how they shape young children. It’s a phenomenal read and a lot of great food for thought. It’s by Paul Tough and called How children succeed.
- I think Humor is essential and there’s so many amazing authors and books out there. Walk in the woods by Bill Bryson, Three Men in a boat (to say nothing of the dog) by Jerome K Jerome (an old really old favorite of mine) or any David Sedaris (Me talk pretty one day is hilarious) because what is life without laughter. And we could all use more of it!
We have the Texas Book Festival.org, a fantastic festival that has been around for 25 years and has around 250 to 300 authors invited from all over the world. With Covid unfortunately that is not possible but we have the festival available virtually – talks and sessions with authors, readings and conversations you do not want to miss. Oct 23rd – 31st. www.texasbookfestival.org
