RSSJuly 18th, 2008
Summer Reading List
“Summer Reading List” — those 3 words struck fear into my heart throughout grade school. However, now they take on a whole new meaning because I get to read what I want to read! As an entrepreneur and self-proclaimed geek (others tend to proclaim it for me as well), continuing education is the most important part of my work.
Here are some AMAZING reads that get my highest recommendation for your summer reading list …
QBQ! The Question Behind the Question
QBQ is a message that so dearly needs to be heard in our culture. Everyone you know can benefit from this book. In less than 100 pages (about 2 hours beginning to end), Author John G. Miller will change the way you look at personal accountability. Learning from the principles in this book has had a profound impact on my personal AND professional life. I just finished reading it for the second time.
The Innovator’s Dilemma
This is a “research” book from one of the world’s foremost thinkers on innovation. I will warn you, I found myself re-reading about every other sentence. However, the principles and lessons learned in this book are beyond priceless.
Clayton M. Christensen studies various industries, and the disruptive innovations that eventually led to the demise of otherwise great companies (good management, good culture, etc.). The takeaways from this book completely changed my perspective about innovation, and how great companies sustain their edge.
Defensive Design for the Web
This “oldie but goodie” (published in 2004) from 37signals is one of the best books about web development available. They examine “best practices” in how to handle errors and things that go wrong on a website, something that deserves much more thought and consideration in our industry. Their definitive research walks through stuff like error pages, site help, form validation and search. Fantastic book, and for more from these guys, see Getting Real.
Mavericks at Work
I have only read about 25 pages of this book so far, but I know already that it has great wisdom for entrepreneurs. The title could not be more fitting, as it profiles companies that break the rules, and are winning BIG as a result. My biggest takeaway so far, which was first iterated in Built to Last
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