10 Books That Changed My Perspective

Rejection Proof by Jia Jiang

My assumption: I got to see Jia Jiang speak recently on the topic of rejection. I almost skipped the event because I assumed the fear of rejection did not play a major role in my life. But I enjoyed his presentation so much that I bought and read his amazing book.

What I learned: I still don't think rejection plays a limiting role in my life, but Jiang's thought leadership on rejection opened my eyes to how we can all self-sabotage our ability to get what we want. Jiang's artful storytelling of his self-made (and often hilarious) "100 days of rejection therapy" experiments were reward enough on their own.

Crucibles of Leadership by Robert J. Thomas

My assumption: I used to assume leaders were born with that special DNA that made them leaders. Later, I realized leaders can be developed. But I still assumed having the right competency model was essential and that targeted development planning was the key to any emerging leader's success.

What I learned: As an ex-Accenture colleague, I've had the benefit of seeing Robert J. Thomas' Crucible presentation in addition to reading his book. I learned that while experience is the best teacher, often the most difficult experiences teach us the most. Mature leaders recognize this and seek out difficult experiences to grow their leadership. Also, no leader learns alone. I've referenced Thomas's book countless times in my books, articles and presentations. My favorite quote is, "Sometimes events can conspire to make you a leader."

How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie

My assumption: Before I read this book, I assumed I had a good handle on worry and stress and the book would not apply to me. It was only out of respect for Carnegie's masterpiece (and my favorite book of all-time) How to Win Friends and Influence People that I cracked this book open.

What I learned: This book quickly convinced me that in fact I did struggle with worry and stress. But even better, it provided very practical ways to recognize, limit and overcome the worry I faced. Years later, I still use and reference many principles from this book. What a blessing!

The 10% Entrepreneur by Patrick McGinnis

My assumption: Before I read this book, I assumed that people were either entrepreneurs or they weren't. Since I'm a cautious and conservative risk-taker with regard to careers and earning potential, I had all but accepted that I would forever be a "wanna-preneur."

What I learned: This book challenged my assumptions by demonstrating in many ways it is more risky to be a 100% employee. Moreover, to be or not to be an entrepreneur is framing the possibility too narrowly. Why not be both? Everyone can be an entrepreneur on the side. In fact, McGinnis laid out several practical options for becoming a 10% entrepreneur while still giving 100% to other endeavors.

Dare to Serve by Cheryl Bachelder

My assumption: I struggled for years with the concept of "servant leadership." To me, it seemed like a noble (albeit kind of lame) aspiration to essentially be a "nice" leader. But nice guys finish last. And finishing last isn't leadership.

What I learned: Bachelder's book used a conceptual picture that changed my whole perception of servant leadership. She shared how servant leaders lead from the front without seeking the spotlight for their achievements. Instead, they highlight the achievements of others and shine the spotlight on them. Her practical examples in retelling the story of Popeye's turnaround (where she was CEO) inspired me to join in.

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

My assumption: Before I read this book, I assumed stories (even true ones) were meant for pleasure reading and not as useful for my own growth as "thought leadership."

What I learned: Unbroken inspired me in a way few books ever have. The true account of Louis Zamperini's World War II survival was simply incredible. I marveled that the qualities that made Zamperini a troublemaker growing up were the same ones that gave him the inner resolve to survive. I also noted that even with his resilience to survive the war, he needed a change of heart to recover from the aftermath as well.

Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull

My assumption: I used to assume that only creative people were creative. The rest of us could only be amateurs or wannabes.

What I learned: I learned that creative people need incredible amounts of structure to enhance their creativity. And in fact, the type of structure they need can help almost any work group maximize their creative and productive potential as well. In other words, the tactics Catmull employed at Pixar can be replicated in many organizations and industries.

The Contrarian's Guide to Leadership by Steven B. Sample

My assumption: My assumption before reading this book is that while decision-making may always contain an element of uncertainty, good leadership is almost always black and white.

What I learned: Late USC president Steven Sample challenged many accepted leadership philosophies, such as thinking in grey terms, putting off decisions as long as possible and considering the bright sides of being occasionally disliked. He posed that a leader could still be "good" while recognizing the benefits of some (not all) of Niccolò Machiavelli's principles. My favorite takeaway was his assertion that many leaders aspire to the position for the title instead of the responsibility. At any rate, it tickled and challenged my intellect.

Gettin' (un)Busy by Garland Vance

My assumption: I assumed that busyness was simply one of life's realities in the 21st century and we all might as well succumb. I also assumed that busyness management was mostly a time management issue and that I could always dig a little deeper or become a little more efficient to increase my output.

What I learned: Vance's book on busyness challenged many of my assumptions. It demonstrated that busyness can play an extreme role in physical, mentor, emotional and spiritual health. Another core tenet was that a sense of peace should accompany purposeful productivity. I also realized that busyness is a form of laziness since they both often lack purpose.

Ignite Your Leadership Expertise by Nathan Magnuson

My assumption: I used to assume very few people were qualified to be "experts," especially in regards to leadership. I just didn't know how they joined the exclusive club.

What I learned: Throughout my journey as a graduate student, consultant, corporate employee and thought leader, I realized there were many situations where I was expected to lead (or know how leaders should lead) but felt less than qualified. Bowing out wasn't an option. I simply had to act like an expert. I made plenty of mistakes, but most of the time, things worked out. Each time I learned something. My book Ignite Your Leadership Expertise captures my own lessons learned and encourages anyone who aspires to support the leadership challenges of others. You don't need to wait until later to become a leadership expert. You can start right now!

For my complete list of book recommendations, visit my Recommended Reading page.

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About Nathan

Nathan Magnuson is a leadership and young professional expert and serves as a consultant, coach and speaker for corporate audiences. He’s worked in a staff or consulting role with several Fortune 500 companies and large public service organizations, including Accenture, MASCO, FBI and Defense Intelligence Agency, among others. Nathan is also a military veteran, having served with the Army Special Operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In addition to corporate work, Nathan is also author of Ignite Your Leadership Expertise and the upcoming book Stand Out! Nathan’s articles and resources are posted on his website NathanMagnuson.com and in various leadership publications.

You can follow Nathan on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or on his website.

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