What I’ve Been Reading, Fall 2010 Edition
ByWell, it’s autumn here in the United States. And as usual, it arrives after a busy summer — spent speaking, traveling, and writing my book for 2011.
But no matter how busy I am, I’m always reading. I thought it might be nice to share what I’ve read in the past few months. As usual, I found and filed quotes and stories according to my system (described in this post). I hope one or more of these books offers you insights that fuel your personal and professional growth.
A Game Plan for Life: The Power of Mentoring, by Don Yeager & John Wooden. My copy of this book was covered with notes on nearly every page! And I filed away loads of leadership insights. I’ve already made clear how much I’ve learned from John Wooden. Well, this book with Don Yeager took it to a new level.
Aspire, by Kevin Hall. Some interesting insights into ordinary words, and the power they can have to inspire, heal, hurt, and change someone’s life. I found a few great nuggets of wisdom within this short, easy read.
Do More Great Work by Michael Bungay Stainer. How much of your time is spent on busy work and bureaucracy? Or doing good work: occupying your mind, but hardly moving you forward? Stainer challenges you to do GREAT work that’s innovative, creative and satisfying, and will help you leap forward in achieving your goals.
Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman. First published in 1995, this book started the conversation about the importance of emotional intelligence in people’s success. It’s packed with information and research, and — in its 10th anniversary edition — still relevant to today’s communicators and leaders.
Leaders Who Last by Dave Kraft. Kraft, the leadership development pastor at Mars Hill Church, has been a leader in ministry for over 40 years, and he’s truly a leader who lasts. This is a book that I marked up and mined for quotes from beginning to end.
Mandela’s Way by Richard Stengel. Richard Stengel, managing editor of Time and collaborator on Mandela’s autobiography (Long Walk to Freedom), spent two years with Mandela, discussing his life and the lessons learned from it. The result is 15 chapters of fascinating leadership wisdom.
Hi John,
I laughed out loud when you shared that you scribbled notes on every page.
Because I do this too. I totally appreciate YOU!
Christina
Thank you Dr. Maxwell for the post. Really helpful!
Is your life Intentional Living or Destination Unknown, TBD (To be determined)?
The truth is we are all headed somewhere. The decisions we make today will determine the course of our direction and will ultimately dictate our destination.
Where are you and how did you get here? Either it is a good place or not quite the place you would desire to be, so how can we today began to dictate our destination? There are a lot of things in life we have no control over, but our lives are our lives. The choices you made yesterday are most likely the reasons of where you are today. Began by asking yourselves some questions.
I. Where am I?
II. What is really important to me?
1. relationship with God and others
(marriage, parenting, and personal relationships)
2. job, education (am I doing what I do best)
3. finances
(am I debt free, prepared for crisis, retirement, a steward)
4. health (what do I eat, exercise, abuse my body?)
III. Where would I like to be in 1 yr, 5yr, 20yrs? and What do I
need to do to get there?
VI. What I need to change to make sure I am headed in
that direction?
V. How is what I am doing today going to influence my
destination tomorrow?
When we squander our time, our resources, we live today without realizing we are impacting each of our destinations. If think you are headed nowhere, this is exactly where you will end up. God gave humans one thing that He gave no other creation and that is a rational mind, we have the ability to make wise decisions, have an impact on how you live today to determine the course of my destination. Don’t live life haphazardly. Live life responsibly and use the gifts God has given you to impact your world and those around you.
Thank you John, a great collection from influential people in many areas of life.
Dr.Maxwel thank you for the source of knowledge.
Dr John, I’m becoming a better leader by your great insights. Thank You.
Interesting, will keep this in mind, i bet its great stuff, Thanks!
God bless you Dr. Maxwell. You have been an inspiration in my life; and will always be.
Dr. Maxwell, thanks and God Bless. You leadership lessons so inspire me and help me in my life skills. Thanks for this list of books. Great information
I am so blessed by your insights and sources of information. Many quotes and illustrations from your various books has really challenged me to re-look into myself and trying my best to rediscover me.
God bless
My husband is going to be most displeased. 3 new books to buy – lucky the Aussie dollar is so high against the US!
Mentor, u are a true blessing. Ur books/philosophy has reshaped the body of Christ. We have many of ur books at our congregation in Miami,Fl (King Jesus Ministries). Be blessed!
I will always remember what Coach Wooden said about what he consdiered to be 2 of the most important words which was “Thank you”
Thanks to you I was just 1 of many that got to wish Coach a Happy Birthday
His wisdom will live on and on
What I’m reading lately….
Everybody Communicates, Few Connect by John Maxwell
It’s a like
Thank you for the reading list suggestions.Looking forward to reading them.Always good to learn from the experiences of others.
John,
I am one of your biggest fans. Thanks for mentioning my book. Love to connect with anyone who wants to discuss leadership issues.
Warmly in Jesus,
Dave Kraft
Hi from Paraguay John! I am almost finished with “Put Your Dream to the Test” it’s a life changer…by the way we are launching MLM hear real soon, God bless you for your great work that you do, you are an inspiration! Look forward to seeing you in Paraguay again soon!
Hi John
Great books you ahve been reading and i guess you are empowered
Another great book to read (if you haven’t read it already) is: The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly
Hi John!
Thanks for recommending these great books. looking forward to reading all these. I have just done reading “failing forward”, one of the best books that have changed my perception about failing and winning.
John,
Thank you for sharing. I love to read and am always on the hunt for something worthy of my time and attention. Blessings to you and yours!
John,
I love all your books and posts. I have read or listened to most of your books and also books your have recommended on your lifetime must read book list.
My problem is: I get inspired, motivated and then crash.
I am not really getting anywhere. I have a wealth of information (my resources are limited). But I have been at this for six months and I am not seeing any real change. I can’t understand.
Any suggestions?
I love you John C Maxwell…thanks
Grace, Peace, Love, Joy of the Lord be upon you in the name of Jesus Christ.