Read These in 2013

Many of the world’s most effective CEOs are really just lifelong students. Steve Jobs, described by The Atlantic as the most effective decision-maker of his generation, was notorious for an unbridled intellectual curiosity. It’s not easy to find the time to read, which is why staying focused amidst chaos has become a professional goal for so many leaders. From utilizing your quieter employees, to making the most of your time, we’ve curated the most inspiring books of last year:  Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain In the New York Times bestseller Quiet, Susan Cain passionately argues that introverts are a severely undervalued. It’s a canon of thought on just how much some of the quieter among us can suffer in schools and the workplace — and how their talents are severely underutilized. Cain has stated “Any time people come together in a meeting, we’re not necessarily getting the best ideas…we’re just getting the ideas of the best talkers.” She offers insight on how to improve introvert-extrovert relationships and empower introverted children, as well as how managers can create a more inclusive corporate culture. The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg In The Power of Habit, award-winning New York Times business reporter Charles Duhigg covers how people and corporations are shaped by habits, and how leaders and individuals have the power to change. The Power of Habit includes fascinating stories from the workplace, including how Febreze marketers managed to turn their flopping product into a bestseller, and how CEOs who modify employee behavior can drive companies towards unprecedented success. It’s an empowering read for leaders at any organization. Extreme Productivity: Boost Your Results, Reduce Your Hours by Robert Pozen At 66, Robert “Bob” Pozen has already accomplished more than many people do in several careers. At one point, he worked as president of Fidelity Management, taught full-time at Harvard Business School, and wrote for the Harvard Business Review. He’s among the most productive professionals in the US, let alone the financial industry. Pozen’s incredible drive for productivity is the reason he wears a dark suit, eats Cheerios, a sandwich and diet soda every day –  to minimize any drains on his decision-making energy. While few of us aspire to emulate him exactly, his writing is wholly inspirational. Renegades Write the Rules: How the Digital Royalty Use Social Media to Innovate by Amy Jo Martin Social media has been described as the new frontier for marketing, prospecting and personal branding, and there are few more worthy tour guides than Amy Jo Martin. Based on her own experience representing Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, she explains how to effectively – and professionally – share your experiences with others. “With more than a billion people using [Twitter and Facebook],” Martin states, “you can’t afford not to have an active role.” The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner After 4 editions and more than two decades in print, The Leadership Challenge is widely considered to be the best modern work on the concept of leadership. Based on the commandment that “leadership is everyone’s business,” managers are challenged to become thoroughly accountable through the 10 lessons presented in the book. “Leaders accept and act on the paradox of power,” the book states. “You become more powerful when you give your own power away.” From modeling the way and inspiring a shared vision, to many more applicable insights on the best managers in the world, it’s a guidebook for driving success. What do you feel are must-read books for CEOs in 2013?