Recommended Reading
While I don’t agree with every point in the books listed here, you will learn something of my values and approach to business from these recommendations:
Jim Collins. Good to Great. (New York: HarperCollins, 2001).
Collins describes the sometimes-surprising factors that launched average corporations to rise above their peers. Collins motivated me to help organizations go from ordinary to excellent. The book is full of wise lessons, and fascinating insider stories of corporate turn-arounds.
Jim Collins and Jerry Porras. Built to Last. (New York: HarperCollins, 1994).
This earlier study by Collins and Porras examines the factors that have made some visionary companies endure and succeed for 50 years or more. 3M, Walt Disney, Hewlett-Packard, General Electric, and others are put under the microscope.
Wayne Grudem. Business for the Glory of God. (Wheaton, IL: CrossWay, 2003).
Grudem makes a biblical case for the essential goodness of capitalistic foundations such as ownership, profit, competition, employment, etc. Each of these factors brings temptation and possible corruption, but Grudem shows that the dangers don’t justify rejection. Instead, he paints an inspiring picture of God-glorifying and productive conduct in the marketplace.
Larry Burkett. Business by the Book. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1998).
My son started a lawn-care business at age 15. In addition to giving counsel and help, I went through Business by the Book with him. Not all readers will be as fiscally conservative as Burkett, but his emphasis on integrity, biblical values and practical business advice is most helpful.
David Allen. Getting Things Done. (New York: Viking Penguin, 2001).
Allen’s premise is this: the right personal systems for email, tasks, filing, interruptions, projects, calls, etc. will free you to focus on the important things in your life and business. I have benefited from Allen’s suggestions and adopted his vision as a goal for my clients: effective systems free you to focus on your product or service.
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