“Man, I have to take a speed reading class or something.” - Me.

It was brought to my attention that the average CEO reads about 4-5 books a month. If someone who runs a company, big or small, can cram hundreds of extra pages into 30 days, I think I can stop scrolling through Instagram to get a few pages in. I figured my goal would be to read at least one book a month this year. I know, not as aggressive as my entrepreneurial counterparts, but you have to start somewhere. So far I have been on track.

I started the year out with what I thought would be an easy read, absolutely biting off more than I could chew, with “Thinking, Fast and Slow” By Daniel Kahneman. This 512 page-turning thrill-ride (sarcasm intended) consumed my January, taking all my mental capabilities. I do not claim to be a smart man so, pretending I could understand the left and right side of the brain as my first read of the year was not smart. I will give it to me Kahneman though; it is written well, and I could tell he was trying his best to put it in layman terms. Once again, I am not a smart man.

As January turned into February, I wanted to turn to something a little lighter. “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki fit the mold. If you have not read this and have any plan of running your finances, life or want to make radical outside-the-box decisions, I would strongly suggest starting here. Even if you do not agree with some ideas throughout “Rich Dad Poor Dad” it will, at least, leave you thinking. And, I think that is a good thing.

My read this month is “Fierce Conversations” by Susan Scott and was recommended to me by a mentor/peer at work. We were having a conversation about the development of veteran teammate and discussed what would an area they could improve on before taking the next step in their career. I immediately pointed out that I have never seen them have a hard conversation with anyone and boom…a day later this book was in my hand for them to read. Instead of immediately passing it along I figured I would give it a go first to see what I could get out of it. Only a few chapters deep right now and like I said before, even if you do not agree with some ideas throughout the book it will, at least, leave you thinking…and that’s a good thing.

-YourFriendMatt

The Average CEO Reads 4-5 Books Per Month By Refreshed Leadership

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

-YourFriendMatt