“Around you there are many examples of ways to solve your own problems and create compelling opportunities. Learn to look outside.”
David Mansfield
Revolution Reading
Business books and articles are an excellent source of new ideas and different perspectives. Each selection will be summarised, highlighting the lessons to be learned and an actionable idea that David recommends you apply to your business. A new Revolution Reading will be added every month.
The 4-Hour Workweek
By Tim Ferriss
What's it about?
The 4-hour workweek written by tech entrepreneur, Tim Ferris, explores the idea of spending fewer hours working and more time on the things you enjoy. After working gruelling and unsustainable hours in Silicon Valley and reaping few rewards, Ferris took some extreme measures to streamline his work. He came up with a formula (DEAL) for escaping the 9-5, which looked at things like redefining wealth and happiness, his 80/20 principle, automated revenue streams and liberating yourself from checking your inbox 200 times a day. A lot of what Ferris touches on is from a bygone era, but the theme of how we structure our working lives in the wake of a global pandemic definitely resonates.
What's in it for me?
There are some themes around remote and flexible working and the importance of shifting priorities, that may be of interest.
What can I learn?
- How to identify ways to streamline your working week
- The 80/20 principle
- How to value performance over presence in the office
- The importance of concentrating on the things that actually matter and how this leads to a more efficient week
Start on Monday:
Do a little experiment and calculate how much time you spend reading, checking and replying to emails versus the other items on your to-do list (that are more important). Shift this balance for a week and see the difference it makes to your productivity levels.
The Art of War, by Sun Tzu
What's in it for me?
Tzu’s teachings show you the benefits of strategic agility in order to overcome challenges, gain competitive advantage and market share.
The One Thing, by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
What's in it for me?
You’ll learn how to prioritise the things that matter most to you and how to adopt the discipline of habit-forming to achieve your goals.
Bad Blood, by John Carreyou
What's in it for me?
Bad Blood will show you the pitfalls of confirmation bias in business and just how powerful it can be – when you really want to believe something, you will.
What they don’t teach you at Harvard Business School, by By Mark H McCormack
What's in it for me?
This book is suited to middle management roles and entrepreneurs looking to gain some practical advice on topics such as sales, negotiation, running a business, reading others and time management.
Talking to Strangers, by Malcolm Gladwell
What's in it for me?
It will help you to explore your own behaviour in dealing with strangers and guide you in building stronger relationships.
Shoe Dog, by Phil Knight
What's in it for me?
This is not your typical checklist and tips business book. It is an honest account of the often tumultuous road to success, which will energise and inspire the most determined entrepreneurs.
Atomic Habits, by James Clear
What's in it for me?
You will find out how habits are formed, how to make them stick and how embracing habits is a great way to take control of your life and achieve more.
Only the Paranoid Survive, by Andrew S. Grove
What's in it for me?
Learn how one of the most successful companies in the world survived moments of crisis. Gove gives advice on how to identify ‘strategic inflection points’ and lead teams through them.
