A reading list, inspired by an Army General

I was recently at a seminar led by an Army General who took us through his recommended reading list. It made me think about what mine would be and here’s the result. Needless to say here’s not much (any) overlap with the General’s… 

Inside the Nudge Unit – David Halpern

I admit it. I’m a massive convert to “nudge”. The power of multiple small, subtle, nudges is quite obviously relevant to someone in my sort of job, but I can’t help think the lessons are probably applicable to virtually any sector and any role where you’re looking to try to impact human behaviour. And this is the best book I’ve come across on the subject. The first half is the key, introducing the “EAST” framework with lots of great examples.

ReWork – Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson

This book basically fundamentally challenges a lot of what goes on in the corporate world on a day to day basis. It’s really quick to read with lots of really short, sharp chapters. Some of it you’ll think is nonsense, but I bet there’s lots in here that makes you sit up and think about changing how you go about your working day. If nothing else, hopefully it’ll encourage you to experiment a bit – what’s the worst that could happen…?!

Information is Beautiful – David McCandless

I know this isn’t hugely original, and I’m fairly certain there will now be better reference materials on this sort of theme. However, when this first came out, it was pretty seminal for me in demonstrating how important it is howyou display information as well as whatthe information is. Get the visuals right and you have a much higher certainty your point will be landed. Don’t just leave it to chance – make an impact.

Solve for Happy – Mo Gawdat

I’m not sure I totally agree with the equation but I don’t think that matters. What I am sure about is that I totally agree with what the book stands for and the fact that it makes you think about “solving for happy” should be good enough in its own right. We tend not to really talk about happiness, we take it for granted amongst one another, so I find this book a useful excuse to start a conversation with people about happiness.

A Journey – Tony Blair

Undoubtedly going to be my most controversial choice… Put the politics aside, he governed the UK for 10 fairly seminal years in my life. The book is an easy read, with interesting content. Yet what’s more interesting is how Blair built, then wielded, power. There are no shortages of mistakes and wrong turns, but from a leadership perspective, there’s certainly plenty to study. 

Ten Types of Innovation – Larry Keeley, Helen Walters, Ryan Pikkel, Brian Quinn

Disclaimer: this book was produced by colleagues from Monitor Deloitte, so I can’t claim I would necessarily have come across it had I not been working there at the time. However, I find myself coming back to it time and time again. Again, not hugely original, but the differentiation between “Core”, “Adjacent” and “Breakthrough” innovation isn’t often explicitly considered, but when it is, very powerful. I also think it telling how little of the book is focused on “product” innovation – it frustrates me immensely that we so often default to wanting to change product, when bigger prizes might be found in other places.

The Count of Monte Cristo – Alexandre Dumas

First and foremost, this is just a great read. Yes it’s long, but you’ll quickly forget that and just get lost in the tale. Like with Mr Blair, it’s another where not all the actions of the “hero” of the book are necessarily worth aspiring to, but for me, the interesting leadership angle is how important the influences around you can be. I’ve certainly found mentorship to be incredibly impactful on me and my career. And often there will be things that at the time feel throw away, that I later come back to again and again.

The Checklist Manifesto – Atul Gawande

I should probably start with another disclaimer: you can take “checklisting” / process too far. My wife certainly thinks I do… Genuinely everything I do has “a system”! The premise of the book is obviously simple, but the examples are sufficiently diverse, and told with enough colour, to ensure the content doesn’t become too repetitive too quickly. I do believe the lessons are replicable at the macro and micro level across different industries and can be put to use (but not over-use!) on a day to day basis.