Sunday, July 14, 2013

10 Eye-Opening Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read

These books reveal the truth of how organizations really work, and it's not pretty.

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As anyone who reads this column knows, I'm a huge proponent of positive thinking.  However, positive thinking is delusional unless it's based upon a clear understanding of how the business world really works.
Put another way: We can't make the world a better place unless we can first see things as they really are. I've already pointed you at the "Top 10 Motivational Books of All Time" in order to help you prepare to make the world for the better.
The books on this list show you exactly what we're up against.
10. How to Lie With Statistics
Darrell Huff's classic 1954 tome explains how business people, politicians, and the news media misuse "the truth" specifically to mislead. As a touchstone and reality check, this book keeps you from being duped by others. As a weapon, this book gives you vast power over the ignorant masses. Please handle with great care.
Best quote: "A well-wrapped statistic is better than Hitler's 'big lie'; it misleads, yet it cannot be pinned on you."
9. The No Asshole Rule
As much as we all wish it were different, there's no denying that some people are jerks and that sometimes we're going to end up working with them. The expletive in the title sets the tone for this book, which also provides suggestions for avoiding, transcending, or even utilizing these inevitable corporate sphincters.
Best quote: "Two-faced backstabbers...who have enough skill and emotional control to save their dirty work for moments when they can't get caught, are tougher to stop--even though they may do as much damage as a raging maniac."
8. The 4-Hour Workweek
Hard work and long hours are the key to success, right? Well, maybe not. In this widely praised (and criticized) book, author Timothy Ferriss asks you to rethink the concept of work, revealing the sad truth that 90 percent of what you're doing may be not just unnecessary but actually detrimental to achieving the life you desire.
Best quote: "Alternating periods of activity and rest is necessary to survive, let alone thrive. Capacity, interest, and mental endurance all wax and wane. Plan accordingly."
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