Tuesday, September 8, 2009

The Secret to Success - READ to Find Out!

Have you ever wondered what separates middle management from the CEO position? Well, its simple, most people in business quit investing in learning. They think that their learning is complete once they have their diploma. But, the long-term successful CEO is the one that has the discipline to continue to learn and improve. You see, the more you learn, the more you earn! Career success demands that you increase your knowledge. Many top executives will read 5-10 books per month, while the average worker is lucky to have read 5-10 books in their lifetime.

Have you ever visited the home of a successful CEO? The bigger the home, the bigger the library. Why is that? Well, there is a direct correlation between the books you read and the success you achieve. I have an area in my home that I call "The Man Cave" which is essentially my den. It is my reading sanctuary and library where I house every book that I have ever read or am about to read. Who needs a corporate ladder when you can stand on every book you have ever read. Remember, a ladder has its limit, while your book stack is infinite!

Books will mold your philosophies and values and can teach you or inform you about any subject that you may be interested in. So, don't go another day without reading - it may change your life! Tell me what interesting books you have read lately to enhance your knowledge within your career?

7 comments:

  1. This may sound odd but a book that changed the way I view the world personally and professionally is the "The Making of the Atomic Bomb" by Richard Rhodes. This Pulitzer Prize winning nonfiction book chronicles the scientific discoveries, political intrigue, philosophical debate and power struggles leading up to and after the making of the A-bomb.

    This book, that I read very soon after I graduated from college, gave me an insight into how individuals, groups and their motivations and agendas come together and make history differently than the individuals in the group anticipated or aspired for.

    This book is a great book sounds like it would be a schematic for a A-bomb but it actually is a great book about organizational behavior and group dynamics. There are many other books that I have read that molded my worldview greatly. I will try to get a list together sometime.

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  2. Trenton, thank you for sharing this recommendation! I look forward to your reading list!

    Randy

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  3. Hello Randy,

    I have my, “Cave” as well. I call it, “My Sanctuary”, because no one is allowed in for any reason. I have over 2000 books and I am a product of the environment that I have created. I think if I purchase one more book my husband is going to find a divorce attorney. Just kidding, but it is a lot, however he does understand that I am a type of person who needs to keep adding knowledge into my heart and soul.

    One book that had brought my spirit and soul a wealth of information is,

    Spiritual Enterprise Doing Virtuous Business by, Theodore Roosevelt Malloch. At the top it has a quote by Lawrence Kudlow, Show from CNBC’s Kudlow and Company, “Every C.E.O. should read this book, and regain the moral energy to lead both their firms and the global economy.”

    Whether one is a C.E.O. or a student such as me; it is vital to keep learning. We never know later in life where God will lead us.

    Joanne DeHerrera

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  4. Joanne, thank you so much for the book recommendation. I really enjoy your participation and the way you have the reader look at life. Please keep coming back!

    Randy Seitz

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  5. Sure thing; as much as I can! You are always very kind to me, and you are a good leader.

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  6. My values, philosophies, direction in life come from the Bible. I have many resource books for my business to which I refer often. While I don't always have the time to sit and just read for pure enjoyment, I do try to always make time for my maker and the instruction guide to life he has provided - the Bible. One last note, a successful CEO is also open minded and not afraid to ask for advice, thoughts and comments from others, ie: your blog.

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  7. Thanks for your input and encouragement! I appreciate your time and attention to this blog.

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