If I Would Only Read 3 Books, It Would Be These

In a world where almost everything has gone digital, one thing remains eternal: books.

I believe books are a source of unending knowledge and inspiration. Even with every little piece of knowledge being available through our phones, tablets, and laptops, the US book market’s revenue remains consistently high. People want and do buy paperbacks and hardcovers, even despite having all the knowledge of the world at their fingertips.

Understanding the importance books still have for us; I am not only diving into reading with gusto but also passing this passion on to my team.

Here are the top 3 books that have become a smashing success not only for me but for the SupportYourApp book club as well.

3. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

About the author: Yuval Noah Harari is an Israeli intellectual, historian, and a professor in the Department of History at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. All his books are centered around intelligence, happiness, suffering, and free will.

We can’t know where we are going without knowing and understanding where we have been. This thought was running through my mind as my team, and I were reading this book. The author presents the history of mankind in a light and almost playful manner, which doesn’t take away any of the seriousness of the history of our past and the risks of our future.

The book not only describes our history but rather offers a reader an opportunity to think, discuss, and debate about the thoughts it presents.

Those who like to read philosophical literature are sure to love the work of the author.

2. No Room for Small Dreams: Courage, Imagination, and the Making of Modern Israel by Shimon Peres

About the author: Shimon Peres was a Prime Minister (1984–1986, 1995–1996) and a President (2007–2014) of Israel. He was the longest-serving member of the Knesset and, at the time of his retirement, was the oldest world leader. For his eloquent speeches, he was chosen as a protégé by David Ben-Gurion, Israel's founding father.

Through the last 17 months, I have learned — being a leader in times of crisis is not easy. That is why Peres’ work resonated with me. Together with examining the most influential and crucial moments in the history of Israel, the author explores the nature of leadership in times of uncertainty and turbulence.

One of the best thoughts in the entire book comes down to this: the key to being a great leader for anyone and at any time is to get to know one’s team as best as they can. In the words of the author: “I had to be more empathetic and insistent in stating my intentions — a figure they would follow, even reluctantly, of only out of trust.”

1. No B.S. Ruthless Management of People and Profits: No Holds Barred, Kick Butt, Take-No-Prisoners Guide to Really Getting Rich by Dan Kennedy

About the author: Dan Kennedy is an American author, business coach, and advisor for US businesses. His No B.S. series has influenced millions of business owners and entrepreneurs around the globe.

This book has become one of the most influential for me as a leader. I vividly remember reading every word carefully and thinking, ‘This is what I’m feeling. This is what I’m thinking.’ The feeling of a book mirroring my world and team management view was unique. Dan Kennedy’s work had a big impact on shaping my leadership style.

Main book points:

• Most management theories are not life-like. A business’s main task is to earn money.

• A leader’s main task is not to be loved by every team member but to make sure everyone is working effectively.

• If team members are ineffective, it is better to let them go.

• A workplace should evoke the feeling of productivity and the desire to work.

• The most acceptable number of bottlenecks in any company or process is zero.

  
  

For me, Dan Kennedy managed to capture what a true leader looks and acts like. And for that, I am immensely grateful, both to the author and to the book itself.

Along with self-development and becoming better every day, reading is one of my passions. I try to finish at least one book a month, and I encourage my team to do the same. Since establishing a book club at the end of 2019, my team and I have read over 30 works by different authors. And we are so much better for it. There is no stopping us now.