Leaders Eat Last

Background

Published in 2014, “Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t,” by Simon Sinek, explores the foundational elements of great leadership and successful teams. Sinek delves into the biology of leadership, explaining how leaders can create environments where people feel safe, cooperate, and dedicate themselves to collective success. Drawing on real-life stories and scientific research, he illustrates why leaders who prioritize the well-being of their teams foster trust and collaboration, leading to more resilient and innovative organizations. The book underscores the importance of empathy and self-sacrifice in leadership, arguing that when leaders put their team’s needs first, they unlock the potential for extraordinary achievements. Sinek’s work offers a compelling roadmap for anyone looking to inspire loyalty, build stronger teams, and lead with a sense of purpose.

Leaders Eat Last
Leaders Eat Last

My Thoughts

Unlike “The Four”, this book seems to have withstood the test of time a little bit better. The forward was from Marine General Flinn, who gained some notoriety back in those days. No wonder this book was suggested to me by a Marine officer…

Recommendation

Good book with some solid ideas about inspiring others.

Between Husband and Wife: Gospel Perspectives on Marital Intimacy

Background

Published in 2000, “Between Husband and Wife: Gospel Perspectives on Marital Intimacy,” by Stephen E. Lamb and Douglas E. Brinley, provides a thoughtful exploration of the physical and emotional aspects of marital intimacy through the lens of gospel teachings. The authors delve into how couples can enhance their marital relationship by aligning their intimate lives with their spiritual beliefs, emphasizing communication, mutual respect, and love. The book addresses common challenges and questions couples may have, offering guidance and insights based on scriptural doctrines and the teachings of modern-day church leaders. It aims to help couples build a stronger, more fulfilling marriage by integrating their faith with their personal relationship, particularly in the context of intimacy, which is often considered a taboo subject in religious discussions. Through practical advice and spiritual encouragement, the book seeks to empower couples to nurture a deep, lasting connection that harmonizes their physical and spiritual union.

Between Husband and Wife: Gospel Perspectives on Marital Intimacy
Between Husband and Wife: Gospel Perspectives on Marital Intimacy

My Thoughts

Sex is one of the most taboo things that seems to be in everyone’s face. Pornographic images and videos are all over the place and none of them help a married couple because it isn’t real. Suspending for a second that the whole point of porn is to debase people in order to make money, even the most realistic depictions of sexual acts does not help married couples grow closer together. They need to walk that road themselves and discover themselves and each other in the process.

Recommendation

Certainly not the definitive source but it was a good book.

Start With Why

Background

Published in 2009, “Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action,” by Simon Sinek, introduces a powerful model for inspirational leadership centered on a vital question: “Why?” Sinek argues that organizations are more successful, influential, and innovative when they clarify their fundamental purpose or belief before addressing how they do what they do or what they do. He illustrates his point with a variety of real-world examples from renowned leaders and organizations that have found profound success by starting with their ‘why.’ The book emphasizes the significance of connecting with people emotionally by articulating and believing in a cause greater than the sum of the organization’s activities. Sinek’s insights encourage leaders and companies to focus on why they exist to inspire action, attract loyal supporters, and achieve enduring success, transforming the way they think about their work and leadership.

Start With Why
Start With Why

My Thoughts

Oddly enough, this book couldn’t have come at a better time. I am winding down a project that was handed to me over four years ago. It took the majority of my department to keep it going and it has finally been completely de-funded. We will execute the program for another couple of months, but my whole department has been wondering what is next. Frankly, so have I. My leadership has been all over the map recently and I haven’t been given a firm intent moving forward. Given the mix of personnel I have left and the funding we have, there really is just one choice and I’ve been angling in that direction for over a year now.

Although, in my heart I knew what needed to be done, this book reminded me that I should look a little harder. My team needs to know the things I’ve known for years since I’ve been in this position. They need to know why and really feel it.

Recommendation

It’s is a good book that is still relevant today.

Brief: Make a Bigger Impact by Saying Less

Background

Published in 2014, “Brief: Make a Bigger Impact by Saying Less” by Joseph McCormack is a compelling guide that underscores the power of brevity in communication. McCormack argues that in our information-saturated age, being concise can significantly enhance the effectiveness of our messages. The book provides practical strategies for distilling complex ideas into clear, concise communications, whether in writing, presentations, or everyday conversations. Emphasizing the importance of being succinct without sacrificing clarity, McCormack offers readers tools to capture attention, convey information efficiently, and make a lasting impact. Through a blend of research, real-world examples, and actionable tips, “Brief” equips individuals with the skills to communicate more effectively by saying less, making it a vital resource for professionals across all fields aiming to make their messages more impactful.

Brief: Make a Bigger Impact by Saying Less
Brief: Make a Bigger Impact by Saying Less

My Thoughts

Much to the title’s description, the idea is to keep it short and powerful. I really liked this book and it stopped me from prattling on for a good week or so (I hope).

Recommendation

Great book with a great message.

Procrastination on Purpose

Background

Published in 2015, “Procrastination on Purpose” is a groundbreaking book by Rory Vaden that challenges conventional views on procrastination. Instead of viewing it as a negative trait, Vaden introduces the concept of ‘strategic delay’—using procrastination as a tool for more effective time management and decision-making. The book outlines a five-tiered method to multiply time, encouraging readers to prioritize tasks based on significance rather than urgency. Vaden’s approach helps individuals differentiate between mere activity and true productivity, advocating for a more thoughtful and purposeful engagement with our to-dos. By embracing this counterintuitive approach to procrastination, readers learn to leverage time as a strategic asset, enabling more meaningful work and personal life balance.

Procrastination on Purpose
Procrastination on Purpose

My Thoughts

My son was reading this and said he really liked it. He was good enough to lent it to me and I thought it was pretty good. He made some pretty good arguments about automation and paid appropriate homage to Stephen Covey so I was happy.

Recommendation

Not bad.

Atomic Habits

Background

Published back in 2018, “Atomic Habits” by James Clear is a transformative guide that delves into the power of small, consistent actions in shaping one’s life. Clear articulates how minuscule changes can lead to remarkable results by focusing on the compound effects of habits over time. The book presents a comprehensive framework for understanding how habits form, how they can be changed, and the impact they have on our identity and daily lives. Through a blend of scientific research, real-world examples, and practical advice, Clear provides readers with strategies to break bad habits and cultivate positive ones, emphasizing the significance of incremental improvement and the role of environment in habit formation. “Atomic Habits” empowers readers to harness the strength of tiny changes, offering a pathway to achieving personal goals and lasting change.

Atomic Habits
Atomic Habits

My Thoughts

This is second time reviewing this book on this blog and I doubt it will be the last. It is also the second time I was talking to a Marine when they mentioned the book and how much it meant to them. So I read it, again. This time I enjoyed it so much it not only was discussed with my wife, but we actually bought the book.

Recommendation

Great book. Give it a read!

Master of Change

Background

Published in September of 2023, Brad Stulberg’s “Master of Change” presents a novel approach to navigating life’s constant changes. It combines insights from contemporary science and age-old wisdom, advocating for a mindset that embraces flexibility and resilience. The book offers strategies for engaging positively with change, highlighting the roles of expectations, identity, and proactive actions in overcoming challenges. Stulberg aims to alter our perspective on change, encouraging growth and adaptability in the face of uncertainty.

Master of Change
Master of Change

My Thoughts

“Life is pain Highness. Anyone who says otherwise is selling something.” That quote from “The Princess Bride” could well have been, “Life is Change” according to this book. I agree with the thought that life continues to change and move us along and we need to continually adapt to what it brings us. This requires us to have a level of self actualization that I doubt many people take the time to acquire.

Recommendation

Not a bad book.

“You Just Need to Lose Weight”: And 19 Other Myths About Fat People

Background

Published in January of 2023, ““You Just Need to Lose Weight”: And 19 Other Myths About Fat People” is a book discussing the perspective of overweight people. The book talks about diets, trends, myths, and has many examples from the author’s personal life.

You Just need to Lose Weight
You Just need to Lose Weight

My Thoughts

I will say this was a very well written book. The author’s prose, vocabulary, her ability to express herself, and so on were absolutely on point. That said, this was a very angry book full of logical fallacies and nonsensical rants. It goes on the shelf of similar works of supposed oppression where there is no way the individual would be satisfied. One can’t use the term “fat” because thin people have “weaponized” it. Yet she prefers to be called fat…

The last chapter the author expands her ranting to all people or groups or whatever who have ever felt left out for any reason… Seriously, it was embarrassing.

Recommendation

Very well written garbage.

Mind Your Mindset

Background

Published in April of 2022, “Mind Your Mindset” is a self-help book that delves into the profound impact of one’s mindset on personal and professional success. Drawing from psychological research and real-life anecdotes, the author explores the power of cultivating a growth-oriented mindset over a fixed one. Through practical strategies and engaging insights, the book illuminates how individuals can shift their perspectives, embrace challenges as opportunities, and harness the potential for continuous learning and development.

Mind Your Mindset
Mind Your Mindset

My Thoughts

I thought I would really enjoy the book and honestly, it was a good read. However, it didn’t really have any special insights or any new way of thinking about the material presented. It feel on me like more white noise of the self-help world. Perhaps I wasn’t in the best space but it just wasn’t that great.

Recommendation

Nothing wrong with it but I didn’t get much out of it.

The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly

Background

Published in December of 2022, “The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly” authored by Margareta Magnusson is a guide of growing older drawing inspiration from the Swedish philosophy of balanced living. Exploring various facets of physical, mental, and emotional well-being, the book emphasizes the significance of maintaining active lifestyles, nurturing relationships, fostering personal passions, and embracing mindfulness.

The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly
The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly

My Thoughts

This was an interesting book and has been part of a death themed last couple of weeks. I would classify this book as 1 part relationship guide, 1 part philosophy, and 1 part “The Art of Tidying Up.” It was particularly fun to read as the author (an octogenarian) is full of quips and old-timey sayings (even if they were Swedish).

The book made me stop and think about what I want and even had me ask my wife and kids what they are thinking about if something happens. I don’t know how productive those conversations were but I was glad to have them.

Recommendation

Worth the read.