We all want to improve in our careers in one way or another. There are many ways to give us the tools to succeed, but one of the easiest ways to equip ourselves and our businesses is through reading books. They are easy to access and super affordable. You don’t have to spend tons of time on webinars, money to attend seminars, and business courses. Sure, those are all great options and certainly have their place, but books are such an incredibly powerful tool we all have access to.
We asked some of our Board Members for some book recommendations that have helped them shape their businesses and can hopefully do the same for you.
Ryan Sensenbrenner of Enzymedica, our Treasurer, recommends the following books.
Good to Great by Jim Collins
“Many business books are filled with opinions and unactionable fluff. Good to Great is different. This book is really a series of case studies that look at how business across a variety of industries succeeded in greatness when others who had equal opportunity failed. A phenomenal choice for anyone leading a business, as well as to educate managers on leadership traits to help them grow their abilities.
At Enzymedica, we have a strong belief in pushing the limits to go beyond what others have done. This book has helped us set our course to always go for “great” and never settle for “good,” while at the same time embracing a servant-style leadership mentality throughout all levels of our team and management.”
Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success by Phil Jackson
“Phil Jackson served as head coach of the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers. In a sport known for egos and over the top personalities, he highlights his methods to teaching team chemistry and building motivation and a drive to win. Even if you’re not a basketball fan, these lessons are valuable to any team. Jackson’s methods led his teams to winning 11 NBA Championships – more championships than had ever been won by any coach in the history of professional sports.
At Enzymedica, we’re tremendously proud of our team. Sometimes, it is easy to look at individuals on a team as superstars, but even the best superstar can’t perform to the top of their ability without their team members. This book gives valuable insight into transforming these individuals through a culture of teamwork to achieve shared goals.”
Broken Windows, Broken Business by Michael Levine
“This was recommended to me by Frances Drennen of Manna Grocery in Tuscaloosa, AL. This book helps retailers understand hidden things that impact the perception of your business by your consumers. Are your bathrooms clean? Are your windows maintained? Do your policies create a negative impression? A short but valuable read for everyone with a consumer-facing business.”
Mari Geier, CEO of Nuts N’ Berries in Atlanta and our Executive Secretary recommends these books.
The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack
“It teaches you about transparency and the importance of every staff member understanding the items that impact the bottom line. It’s great for the younger generation that is motivated through games and you can make reaching goals fun!”
The Nordstrom Way by Robert Spector and Patrick McCarthy
“I read this 20 plus years ago when I started in retail and have carried the “customer first” mentality with me in all I do.”
Scott Cloud, one of our supplyside board members recommends these great leadership books.
Living Leadership “A Practical Guide for Ordinary Heroes” by Binney, Williams, and Wilke
Helps to reassess your leadership style and better to listen to people/teams to identify and acknowledge team leads to more effectively and efficiently lead and manage in real world business paradigms.
On Emotional Intelligence – Harvard Business Review (HBR) 10 Must Reads – a series of definitive articles from HBR to help leaders understand Emotional Intelligence.
A series of HBR’s Articles on Emotional Intelligence in leadership helping leaders to channel emotions and mood to make smart, empathetic people decisions, manage conflict and tough decisions, to better understand your strengths, weaknesses, needs and goals.
We hope this list is helpful and can help you take your career to the next level. Do you have any recommendations? We’d love to hear from you. As always, SENPA is here to be a resource to you and the natural products industry as a whole.
