Not all business books deserve our snark. Well, most do, but I found some worth reading.

Back in my reporting days, my editors had the wisdom (LOL) to allow me to pen a column from time to time.

While I was a fan of wordsmiths like famed Chicago newspaper columnist Mike Royko, I never had the gall to think I could attain his level of writing. Still, that didn’t keep me from reaching out to Mike late in his career for advice.

Our interactions were fleeting. He died too soon. But what I remember is his passion to not just expose the idiots in power but to do so with a biting humor that made it easier to see the fools he profiled as less than human.

As much as I admired Mike, I didn’t see myself mastering his style. My style was bland in comparison, being mostly introspective, lacking the snark and disdain Mike might spew in one of his columns. That didn’t mean I was afraid to get a little salty in my column. OK, maybe not salty. We were a family paper, after all.

The column in question bordered on snark as I took aim at the glut of self-improvement, leadership and success books hitting the market. Hey, I know it wasn’t as scintillating as Mike skewering a Chicago mayor who was so popular the dead marched to the polls to vote for Hizzoner.

OK, the point of my column was I did not find value in these flashy self-help and business tomes, at least the vast majority that seemed to be written by self-centered know-it-alls whose smug mugs filled the covers, enticing the gullible to part with their hard-earned money.

And what did these poor saps get in return? 10 Ways to Boost Your Confidence by Pointing Out Other Peoples’ Stupidity. 7 Secrets to Mastering the Art of Manipulation. How to Win Friends and Blind Your Enemies with a Fake Smile.

While these weren’t real titles, they pretty much encapsulate how I felt about self-help and business books back in the 1990s.

A lot has changed in the ensuing years. My writing style has evolved. I’m willing to take a few more chances and shots, though, I still have that laid-back approach Mike might have considered too passive.

My view of business books has changed, as well. I still harbor a cynical view of most material published in this field, but a few authors have had a profound effect on me in recent years and that says something about how they communicate their ideas.

When I see something from Simon Sinek, Adam Grant, Brené Brown and Malcolm Gladwell, I am eager to devour every bit of content, from podcasts to books to TED Talks.

I recently decided to take stock as to why these people resonate so much with me. I’ve identified traits that might help you connect with the teachings of people you admire and respect.

1)    Authenticity: Share insights and learnings, both successes and failures

2)    Approachability: Relatable to the reader/listener through personal stories/experiences

3)    Humility: Receptive of feedback and willing to admit mistakes

4)    Courage: Willing to challenge long-accepted beliefs and offer new or creative options

5)    Humor: Capable of poking fun at themselves to reinforce their flawed human traits

6)    Sincerity: Cutting through the BS and cliches to share simple, direct advice and counsel

Does each person tick all the boxes in their posts and publications? No. Malcolm can come across as smug and dismissive, but he also is comfortable admitting he is wrong. Just listen to interactions he has with Adam as they pick apart their respective world views. Brené might be accused of oversharing about her personal life but when you listen to or read her works, it all makes complete sense and helps us realize vulnerability can be a superpower.

I know not to fall into the trap and say I want to be like Simon, Adam, Brené or Malcolm. I glean what tidbits and insights I can from their collective works and weigh them against what I know and don’t know. If I find another sage/author who piques my interest, I’ll add their contributions to my collective knowledge.

As I refine and rethink my worldview, I am also refining and rethinking how I share what I am learning.

While my style may never come close to Mike’s, I strive to be authentic, humble, courageous, humorous, and sincere, with a little snark and cynicism thrown in for good measure.

If I cannot be like Mike, maybe I should be like Simon, Adam, Brené and Malcolm and pen my own book.

What do you think?