The World's Best CEOs are Reading These Top 5 Books
By Paul J. McCoy, CIMA®
The most successful people in the world are avid readers. Whether you read for fun or to gain knowledge, books provide insight, inspiration and perspective. Here are the top five books that the world’s best CEOs are reading to add to your reading list!
Book #1: The End of Power, Moisés Naím
The End of Power written by Moisés Naím summarizes how power is declining within leaders and institutions. The main theme of the book is that today, in the 21st century, it is becoming easier to get power, but harder to keep it and use it to influence others. When Mark Zuckerberg began his “Year of Books” challenge in 2015, where he decided to read a new book every two weeks, he started with this one.
Book #2: Competing Against Time, George Stalk
Apple’s CEO Tim Cook recommends Competing Against Time to his colleagues. This book discusses how time management is a key source of competitive advantage. Today, time can be regarded as the fourth dimension of competitiveness, and it’s becoming increasingly important that companies have flexible systems. The authors George Stalk and Tom Hout support their claim with research from various Japanese and American companies that have been successful in time-based strategies.
Book #3: The Charisma Myth, Olivia Fox Cabane
The Charisma Myth is written by Olivia Fox Cabane, and Cabane argues against the myth that charisma is an inborn quality that you either have or you don’t. Cabane says that charisma, in fact, can be learned. Moreover, you don’t need to change your personality to be more charismatic, you can engage in behaviors that fit within your current personality. This book is a guide that teaches you how to become more inspirational and influential.
Book #4: Portfolios of the Poor
Portfolios of the Poor gives an account of those who live on an average of $2 or less, which is nearly 40 percent of the world’s population. Despite this adversity, these people strategically manage their money and are able to find solutions to their financial problems. This book contains interviews with impoverished villagers, and their stories are not only surprising but also inspirational. Mark Zuckerberg recommends this book as it gives insight into lives that most of us may not know about.
Book #5: The Art of Happiness
The Art of Happiness is a book that teaches us how to find peace amidst everyday anger, loss and anxiety. Jeff Weiner, the CEO of Linkedin, learned the true meaning of compassion from reading this book and uses it to shape his management philosophy. This book is uplifting and teaches you how to achieve long-lasting happiness.
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