“Books open windows to the world and have the power to transform lives.” In this episode, I cover some of the recent books I’ve read in my neverending journey to become a great leader. Some you may know, some you may not, but I’m always interested in finding those books that inspire me to become a more well-rounded leader that is open to any idea to make myself and my team that much better.
Summary
- I prefer physical books over electronic books
- I like looking at my friend’s library (very similar to DVD libraries, remember those?)
- I prefer used books as much as possible
- Once I’ve completed a book, I make a decision to add the book to my library or offer it up for free to a friend/colleague who could benefit from it
Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead by General Jim Mattis, USMC (Retired) and former Secretary of Defense
- Detailed his rise in the Marine Corps and the challenges and difficult decisions he made
- Easy to read. A continuous story that shares poignant thoughts throughout his career and insight as to his decision loops
- Sticking to his core values was important, both in challenging leadership and making difficult decisions when no one would
- Highly recommend to any military officer to help them understand the complexities of leaders…yet the simplicity of it as well
Ender’s Game and The Speaker For The Dead by Orson Scott Card
- Ender’s Game always comes up in a “What is everyone reading?” list
- I borrowed from my son’s library, as his aunt and uncle bought him the entire Ender’s Game series books a few years ago
- It’s all here: Strategic thinking against an enemy, small team dynamics, leading when no one trusts or believes in you, making advancements yet not alienating the ones who helped you get there
- I haven’t watched the movie…and probably won’t
Injustice: What’s The Right Thing To Do? by Michael Sandel
- Currently reading
- Educating myself in social injustice, including racial and economic issues
- Looking for more recommendations
On Deck
- The Lakotas and the Black Hills: The Struggle for Sacred Ground by Jeffrey Ostler
- The reading list from Call Sign Chaos Appendix 1 (list of classics!)
- CSAF Reading List (now includes podcasts and CMSAF list)
- I use Good Reads to track progression and find recommendations
Comic Books – Props to my comic book store Third Eye Comics in Annapolis, MD
- Venom – Donny Cates
- Thor – Donny Cates
- X-men – Jonathan Hickman
- Batman – James Tynion
- Death Metal – Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo