MichaelGowin.com/blog

The semester is over.  Summer is here and students will be off to jobs, internships, weddings, and who knows what else.  It also means that they might have time to do something other than homework and textbook reading.  How about investing time in a good book or two?

In my business communication class, I referenced several books that I believed would be helpful.  As best as I can remember it, here’s the list with a few brief comments about each title.  Get thee to a library or bookstore and read!

Garr Reynolds - Presentation Zen.  I’ve been a fan of Garr Reynolds’ Presentation Zen blog for a couple years and was thrilled when his book was released last December.  The PZ approach is about clarity of message and simplicity in design.  Students have seen the value in this approach and some have been able to apply its lessons already.  I hope to spend more time on presentation design the next time I teach the course.

Cliff Atkinson - Beyond Bullet Points.  Although we didn’t spend much time on this book in class, Cliff Atkinson’s BBP contains many useful insights.  The narrative approach that Atkinson advocates, as well as a scaling technique (that is, creating one presentation that you can deliver in 5, 15, or 45 minutes, depending upon the situation), offers presenters powerful tools.

Dan Pink - A Whole New Mind.  So you’re saying that my degree in engineering/accounting/business is going to be less useful in the future?  That’s not the issue so much as the need to cultivate the artistic, creative side of your brain.  The stuff we love–iPhones, Scions, Crocs–is coming from some very smart right-brained people (who, not coincidentally, also have well-developed analytical skills).  Read Dan Pink’s book to see why you’ll need to be more than numbers-smart to compete in the future, and to learn ways you can grow your creativity.

Dan Pink - The Adventures of Johnny Bunko.  What are the six life lessons about work you should have learned but haven’t?  This quick, entertaining read will tell you.  Go view the trailer as well (how many books have a trailer?)  I’ve passed my copy around to a few students and they’ve all enjoyed it.  My colleagues have found the lessons valuable but seem to be put off by the form (it’s not a comic book, it’s manga).  It will be interesting to see how this is received by different generations. 

Chip & Dan Heath - Made to Stick.  What makes messages–presentations, sermons, ads, speeches–memorable?  Think SUCCES: simple, unexpected, concrete, credible, emotional, stories.  This well-reviewed title is essential reading for all communicators: teachers, preachers, public speakers, writers, business folk.  If you want people to remember your message, think Sticky–think SUCCES.  Check out the Heath brothers in FastCompany as well.

Seth Godin - Purple Cow.  Successful marketing means being remarkable. Purple Cow highlights organizations that distinguish themselves, and its lessons are easily applied to students who want to do well in school and employees who want to stand out in their careers.  Seth’s blog is also a great read.

Tim Ferriss - The 4-Hour Workweek.  Productivity plus an interesting take on entrepreneurship equals lifestyle design.  Tim Ferriss’ best-selling book has been met with mixed reviews: where some see a revolutionary approach to life and the idea of career, others see an impractical and unrealistic devaluation of work.  If nothing else, the book should stimulate ideas for the entrepreneurially-minded and help you become more productive. Visit the 4HWW online.

Richard St. John - Stupid, Ugly, Unlucky, and Rich.  I saw this presentation by Richard St. John at the TED conference and bought the book.  A lot of students (and graduates) are still trying to figure out what to do with their lives but want to be successful at something.  Richard St. John’s research reveals the eight things that successful people do to get results.

Dan Miller - 48 Days to the Work You Love.  Before cranking out your cover letter and resume, spend some time reflecting on your identity, giftedness, and areas of interest.  48 Days is written with the theological perspective that God has created each person with unique gifts and that the most fulfilling work is found when those gifts can be used in the service of others.  What Color is Your Parachute? (below) used to be my "go to" title for job seekers; Dan Miller’s book is a better alternative for young people.

Richard Nelson Bolles - What Color is Your Parachute?  The acknowledged classic job hunting manual.  Dan Miller borrows several ideas from Bolles in his own book.  Visit Bolles’ web site, Job Hunter’s Bible, for more advice and tips.

So that’s the list.  If I were to recommend a place to start, read 48 Days and Stupid, Ugly, Unlucky, and Rich.  These will help you think more strategically about how to best use your remaining time in school or help you get focused in your career.

Filed under: Learning, Presentations, Reading, Work by Michael