Buy books for your team. Everyone.

I have always delighted in buying great books for everyone. It’s good food.

Don’t assign them. Make them an open access resource for everyone. Also, don’t just buy dorky business “how to” stuff. Although, there are some very good ones. Buy epics and thought provokers. For business, I might suggest the hilarious and pointed Larry Winget. For life, Mitch Albom is a good start. Make your own thoughtful selections without also trying to have an agenda. Just really good stuff.

If no one reads them, so be it. Do it anyway. Maybe their spouse or kids will pick it up. Even if none of that happens either, do it anyway. It’s part of being a thoughtful leader.

I did once however have a complaint. I had included Sh*t My Dad Says, the NY Times bestseller at the time, in my library and the person who picked it had a self righteous moment over it and was apparently appalled and grievously stricken. Oh, well. It’s one of the funniest, real life, books of late. Hence, the NYT #1 ranking at the time.

Books are good. Reading and writing them is even better. Lead without fear. Give your team good food at every chance.

Way more lasting and impactful than bagels.