The best books for a wandering eclectic mind

Leadership & Self-Deception is an essential lesson presented through a narrative about the triumphs and tribulations of a business leader. The story highlights a universal challenge—falling into a self-centered mindset, dubbed "being in the box" by the authors.

The book navigates through scenarios that confront readers' perceptions of personal relationships and problem-solving, often prompting uncomfortable introspection. However, its engaging narrative style effectively communicates enduring insights.

Within our organization, we recommend this book to all team members as a foundational resource for developing self-awareness, communication skills, and leadership abilities.

For more than 20 years, we've endorsed this book to both our team members and clients. Effective communication lies at the heart of relationships, and possessing the ability to communicate adeptly in any setting is invaluable.

This book equips readers with essential tools to navigate various social scenarios and overcome inherent anxieties and insecurities, particularly exacerbated by the prevalence of non-verbal communication channels like texting and email.

Whether grappling with speaking or engaging in conversations across diverse situations, this book is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their communication skills.

I have been reading the Celestine Prophecy since about 1996. The overarching story is that there is more at work in life than just what we understand firsthand. The concept that there are no true coincidences and that most things happen for a reason and lead us to a place where we should be able to fulfill the purpose of our life in any given moment is the biggest takeaway.

I also enjoy the theme that people need to understand what motivates them, and this book does this by using a fable story to bring clear context to these and other key life issues. It is a fictional narrative centered around the discovery of a manuscript in Peru, offering profound insights into various aspects of human existence such as synchronicity and control dramas.

It prompts contemplation on moments of apparent serendipity, questioning whether they are mere chance or indicative of a larger cosmic order. Regardless of individual beliefs, the book posits the existence of a greater underlying truth waiting to be understood.

Exploring interpersonal conflicts, the narrative weaves through the vibrant backdrop of the Amazon jungle, presenting entertaining yet enlightening scenarios. Through its colorful storytelling, it invites readers to ponder deeper meanings and offers opportunities for personal growth and reflection.

I was introduced to The One Thing by being on their Podcast. What that experience led to was understanding the core concept of the book; understanding that one thing that will aid any individual in reaching their primary goals. What I learned when reading is that the concepts reinforced for me in a different but usable way the practices of goal setting, time blocking, and defining my purpose and vision through the seasons of my influence.

By focusing their energy on one thing at a time, people are living more rewarding lives by building their careers, strengthening their finances, losing weight and getting in shape, deepening their faith, and nurturing stronger marriages and personal relationships.

YOU WANT LESS. You want fewer distractions and less on your plate. The daily barrage of e-mails, texts, tweets, messages, and meetings distract you and stress you out. The simultaneous demands of work and family are taking a toll. And what's the cost? Second-rate work, missed deadlines, smaller paychecks, fewer promotions--and lots of stress.

Being a management consultant and thought leader can be a heavy lift, as client issues often stay with me in my mind, even when I am supposed to be focused on personal issues. 1632 is one of those stories that mixes factual history with fiction and creates an alternate reality that entertains, teaches, and allows oneself to escape the daily issues one may face in my area of influence.  

Set in a rural West Virginia town in the year 2000, the narrative takes a captivating turn as the town inexplicably finds itself transported back to 1632 Europe, specifically upper Germany. Navigating the bewildering circumstances of their temporal displacement, the townsfolk grapple with the dual challenge of comprehending the inexplicable event and forging a path forward in a world both alien and strangely familiar.

Their struggles mirror our own reflections on influence, resonating deeply with the complexities of decision-making amidst uncertainty. Amidst personal relationships and profound decision-making dilemmas, the story delves into the stark human issues arising from the collision of a 21st-century community with the tumultuous backdrop of 17th-century Europe, a milieu characterized by violence and upheaval.