Check out the rest of our summer reading recommendations below:
“Upstream,” by Dan Heath
This book preaches a proactive approach to problem management, and Terell Weg, CBSE, of MSNW says the “great case studies and thought-provoking statements” make it an engrossing read. “I highly recommend this to absolutely anyone, but especially a business leader to expand their minds and get beyond the reactive,” Weg says.
“Selling From the Heart,” by Larry Levine
Sean Litvak of Vonachen Group hails this book for its message that you can succeed in sales without fundamentally altering who you are. If you’ve ever felt like sales is more about “authentic caring and concern for the outcome the prospect experiences” than just about numbers, you will appreciate this book.
“The Motive,” by Patrick Lencioni
Are you interested in creating an effective leadership team? How about establishing a productive meeting schedule? This book might be for you, says Janitronics’ Jim Harris, Jr., CBSE. Based on the lessons in the book, Janitronics “revised [its] meeting flow and moved to a more effective, less frequent meeting cycle,” Harris, Jr. reveals.
“Pat Conroy: Our Lifelong Friendship,” by Bernie Schein
GPA’s Gary Penrod, CBSE, has always loved Pat Conroy’s writing. This book sheds light on Conroy himself, providing a look at the man behind the books. If you’re looking for something to read on vacation, look no further than this, Penrod says.
“The Go-Giver,” by Bob Burg
It can be tempting to keep tabs on your network and expect reciprocal relationships at all times — but this book urges readers to rise above those urges, says Dorothy Askew of The Askew Group. “The rewards and benefits of being a go-giver add value to others that will come back or be forwarded,” Askew says, adding that the book’s lessons influence her sales mindset.
“The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace,” by Gary Chapman
Different people feel appreciated in different ways, and this book provides an important reminder to be thoughtful and deliberate in how you show your appreciation, says Steve Shuchat, CBSE, of Clean All Services. “In the building service contracting industry, where remote management is required, ensuring that all of our employees feel appreciated even when they cannot see or directly work with their supervisor is incredibly important,” Shuchat says.
“5 Minute Selling,” by Alex Goldfayn
Mike Quraishi of Aladdin Cleaning Services appreciates this book for its “simple system that can increase your sales.” Even if you know you don’t have time to completely overhaul your sales approach, the system can help you — after all, you only need five minutes. Goldfayn’s tools can help boost your sales and improve your business.
“The Greatest Secret,” by Rhonda Byrne
Mark Skoda of Mark’s Cleaning Service, Inc. says this book can help shape your awareness of the world around you. Check it out to find lessons and messages that “help with the areas of business life tremendously,” Skoda says.
“The E-Myth Chief Financial Officer,” by Michael E. Gerber
This book “connected the dots between the numbers, my actions, and my business,” says Cleaning Concierge’s Barrett Wiley. It also showed “that a business needs to be managed by the numbers by a person who can be objective,” Wiley adds.
“Rethinking Success: Eight Essential Practices for Finding Meaning in Work and Life,” by Doug Holladay
Doug Holladay has worn many hats in his career. After all, he’s co-founded two private equity firms, worked for Goldman Sachs, and held senior positions in the White House and State Department. In this book, recommended by The Budd Group’s Yasser Youssef, Holladay suggests eight practices to help you succeed both personally and professionally.
“Make Your Bed,” by Admiral William H. McRaven
Dana Weaver of L. Dana Weaver Consulting recommends this book, which lays out life lessons for leaders through the frame of McRaven’s distinguished military career. “It is very short but very motivating,” Weaver says.
“The Talent War,” by Mike Sarraille
Are you thinking about hiring in the coming months? This book might help. Barnett Gershen of Gershen Consulting says it “has been a tremendous help in recruiting people and knowing what to look for in candidates.” The book reinforces “the importance of character when you are building your team,” Gershen adds.
“Shut Up and Listen! Hard Business Truths That Will Help You Succeed,” by Tilman Fertitta
Jason Dinverno, CBSE, of Prestige Maintenance USA says there are “great business lessons throughout the book,” which also contains “good information on how to scale and grow your business.” Dinverno was especially impressed with a section of the book called “You’d Better Know Your Numbers.”
“The Great Indoors,” by Emily Anthes
We spend so much of our time inside houses, offices, and other buildings, but rarely stop to consider the ways our actions are influenced by these indoor surroundings. This book, recommended by Ben Walker of Janitor University and Facility Cleaning Decisions, delves into our interactions with the “great indoors.”