I had a great meeting tonight with one of the most well-read and engaging Christian leaders I’ve ever known. His favorite books were a constant topic that had me adding to my list of must-reads. And after telling Hoots about the meeting, she asked me to list my top 10 non-Bible must-reads for those who are leading non-profits.
Here are my 10 in no particular order:
Good to Great, Jim Collins
-Everyone talks about it, but not everyone understands the power of applying these principles.
Made to Stick, Chip and Dan Heath
-Absolutely must read this if you’re going to do any fundraising copywriting.
Blue Ocean Strategy, Kim and Mauborgne
-Foundational material for the creation of the Oneicity brand
Gates of Fire, Steven Pressfield
-Excluding the Gospels, the most powerful story of triumphant leadership
Wizard of Ads, Roy Williams
-Roy Williams taught me how to think like people think.
Reality Check, Guy Kawasaki
-Bite-sized chunks of MBA-level business advice
Purple Cow, Seth Godin
-Only Seth Godin could make a metaphor like this applicable across all industries.
ReImagine, Tom Peters
-Tom Peters “got” design before anyone else did; good design is not an option today, it is an imperative.
The Essential Drucker, Peter Drucker
-Peter Drucker is the man!
1776, David McCullough
-Only because of the power of God and George Washington’s resourceful leadership are we not British subjects. If General Washington can do what he did with so little, I know I can overcome the “British” in my world!
I’m an avid reader and so I welcome your comments and recommendations.
Steve Thomas
Partner, Oneicity
(photo credits: Austin Kirk)
