5 Business Books You Must Read

Patrick Lencioni – The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable

For those of you new to business literature, it may be boring or difficult to read at first. Patrick Lencioni presents invaluable leadership and team-related advice within a story. The fictional characters are personalities that we have all worked with, or will work with, in the future, and seem very real in the text. You can imagine yourself sitting with the executive team at their retreat. Lencioni’s writing is refreshing and engaging. You will get lost in any one of his “Leadership Fables” quickly. –Brandon Marker

Patrick Lencioni – The Five Temptations of a CEO: A Leadership Fable

Lencioni is obviously my favorite author, so I will not brag on him too much. This is another book in the same format with the same feel as #2. This fable pertains to the CEO and the temptations that can be realized when he or she is failing. While some of these may seem obvious, reading about them in this fable is eye-opening. You can put yourself in the CEO’s shoes and seriously consider the temptations. We all may easily be guilty of one or more, analyzing them will help us better ourselves. –Brandon Marker

Don Schmincke – : Forty-seven Ancient Samurai Principles Essential for Twenty-first Century Leadership Success

A truly original and insightful read! Don Schmincke took the Code of the Samurai from ages ago (when Tom Cruise was a Samurai), and transferred it to relate to the executive. Surprisingly, you will not find a forced interpretation with vague or confusing links. It smoothly flows into a motivational/leadership book that goes beyond a normal read. Many great business motivation books are set on business and helping others perform. Schmincke takes this further and also focuses on the Executive’s mind and body, and his or her interaction with family, friends, and others. Prepare yourself for an awakening in business and life. –Brandon Marker

Tim Ferriss – The 4-Hour Workweek

Ferriss describes a concept in his book that may be new to most people–living like the “New Rich.” Ferriss argues that people don’t want to be millionaires to have million dollars, but to live like millionaires. By starting an automated profitable enterprise, Ferriss describes precisely how you too can “escape 9-5, live anywhere, and join the New Rich.” Not a theoretical treatise on business concepts, this outstanding book is a step-by-step guide to creating wealth by working less. –Nick Thacker

If you have any books you would like to add to this list, let me know!