What is your Boss Reading & Can it tell you Something about Them?

What have business executives been reading and does it matter? It actually should be of interest to anyone who is employed in the business. What someone reads can be an indication of their belief system of provide clues as to where the business might be going. What could you assume if your boss is reading everything on six sigma? Maybe he's looking for a way to streamline the business and make it more efficient. What impact would that have on you and your job? See, knowing personal things like what's being read can be very important intelligence for your career.

What I've found is that many times a business executive summary works as well as the full story. Apparently the typical business executive has difficulty ready and comprehending facts and figures as many seem to prefer just the abridged version of many business presentations. This is interesting as an executive summary will then be used to make decisions that can materially impact the business either positively or negatively.

In any event, here are a few printed books recommended by business executives in 2006.
Nature Noir by Jordan Fisher Smith. This is the first book by Smith, who is a former park ranger. The protagonist is in what seems to be an impossible situation with a group of misfits. Part of what makes the book a stand out is how Smith works in all kinds of interesting tidbits having to do with politics, history, social justice and geography. The New York Times recommends this as one of the best books of 2005.

The Sex Lives of Cannibals: A work of non fiction is about being stranded in the Pacific Ocean...written by Marten Troost. It's basically about the experiences of two people who leave corporate business and arrive quite by accident in the ho South Pacific republic of Kiribati. Although a real place the book chronicles the adventures of dealing with the animals, people, and intense heat that's part of this island country.

If you plan on visiting Northern California anytime in the near future, one business executive recommends reading Best Places to Kiss in Northern California by Linnea Lundgren. The book includes bed and breakfast information along with scenic drives, and many other out of the way details. I don't know exactly what this book suggests about the business exec. and I don't want to speculate. [smile]

How about The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason. This was one of the more popular recommendations that received more than a few votes. The book is more about business practices and less about ancient wisdom. It seems that this was more in line with getting your share, as if business executives don't get there fair share! Also of interest to many was The Art of Investing and Portfolio Management: A Proven Six-Step Process to Meet Your Financial Goals by Cordes O'Toole and Steiny is a good place to start.

As you can imagine, executive reading habits are quite diverse, reflecting the individuality of people in all walks of life. Still, it never hurts to be reading what they are to understand more about the person.

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