Good to Great:
Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't
Jim Collins

Book Description
Can a mediocre company transform itself into a truly great one? Jim Collins and his team of researchers identified eleven Fortune 500 companies that outshine all of their competitors, then he delves into the matter of how they succeeded. Collins distills massive amounts of research into specific strategies, both common sense and seemingly counterintuitive ones.

Jim's Thoughts
I chose this book a while back as I looked for resources as our managing shareholder to help me lead our quest to make our firm even better. This is an in-depth study of the attributes common to great companies along with keen insight as to the practical things that companies and their leaders should incorporate into their business practices. Clients who lead or have significant involvement in companies will gain knowledge of strategic insights and practices to help their company move toward greatness. Our staff will learn about decision making factors that we follow in our firm to make us a great provider of professional services to our clients as well as a great place to work.

Book Description
We've all done dumb stuff in our lives. We all have regrets. Yet none of us plans to mess up our lives. Why, then, does it keep happening? Life doesn't have to be that way. You can fool-proof your life...as this book shows. God's promise and pattern is for something better. In The Best Question Ever, Andy Stanley effectively teaches the practical and lasting value of simply asking this question about our actions in all of life's arenas: What is the wise thing for me to do, in light of my past experience, my present circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams? This book probes for honesty - it pushes us to open our eyes to reality and helps us expose the little (and big) self-deceptions we have.

Jim's Thoughts
I had heard Andy preach a sermon on this topic and wanted to see how it was expressed in book form. What I liked was "The Question" itself, which is "In light of my past, present and hopes, what is the wise thing for me to do in any given situation?" Clients and staff alike will like the stories and analogies that illustrate the importance of slowing down long enough to ask the question and to consider the answer.

Book Description
John C. Maxwell takes readers on a life-altering journey to develop the 21 traits all great leaders have in common. Maxwell explains that the key to transforming someone who understands leadership into a person who leads in the real world is character. Among the 21 traits discussed are: character, charisma, communication, listening, servanthood, teachability, and vision.

Jim's Thoughts
In my role as a leader, I wanted to learn more about the most important qualities that I need to be demonstrating to others in order to enhance my effectiveness. The book clearly and concisely describes and illustrates fundamental qualities of leadership in a compelling manner. Clients should gain knowledge about exhibiting leadership characteristics in different areas of their life, both vocationally and personally. Our staff will find this to be an easy read and a quick way of beginning to develop their own leadership style which will help in their personal growth and development.

Book Description
How can you lead effectively and still have a life? Dale Burke offers 8 secrets to cutting through the pile and getting to the heart of what God made you to do. This Christ-centered, practical plan for achieving stability between professional success and personal satisfaction will move readers to a new level of purpose and achievement as they learn to trust God's truths.

Jim's Thoughts
After hearing the author speak at a conference about leadership principals, I decided to invest in the book. The focus on eight main areas and their power to help you become a more effective leader while maintaining balance in the other areas of your life was very helpful. Clients in leadership positions will appreciate the author's explanations as to why working harder, faster and longer doesn't necessarily work to make you a better leader and keep you ahead. Our staff will gain insight as to easy to apply steps and techniques to begin to enhance their own individual leadership skills.

Book Description
John C. Maxwell provides a hands-on approach to taking control of each day and making the most of your daily agenda. Maxwell illustrates the small steps that can be taken and how to focus on just a few areas at a time through prioritizing. He has narrowed down the critical areas that outline the way towards success into the Daily Dozen.

Jim's Thoughts
I was intrigued by the title and premise of the book since I often find myself caught up in the "tyranny of the urgent" and put off more important things. I liked the clear explanation that what you do and how you plan for each day really does matter in the accomplishment of your longer term goals and the things that are really important to you. I think clients will appreciate taking time to focus on making every day count and seeing the benefits of it. I think our staff will appreciate the author's "Daily Dozen" list of things to consider each day.

Book Description
In The World Is Flat, Thomas Friedman describes the unintended surge of technological and social shifts that in effect leveled the economic world. The primary premise of this book is the "flattening" of the world, a process in which individuals as well as companies are empowered through the progression of globalization. The three-time Pulitzer Prize winner argues convincingly that globalization, with all its attendant geopolitical effects, is the single most noteworthy trend of our day. Friedman exposes the brave new world for readers, allowing them to make sense of the often puzzling global scene unfolding before their eyes. This book is a bold, timely and essential update on globalization in the twenty-first century and is a must read for those interested in the world today.

Jim's Thoughts
I chose this book in order to gain a better understanding of the cause and pace of change that we are experiencing in the way we conduct our business. I liked the author's logical presentations of the 10 factors that have flattened the world and his compelling case of how to deal with this new paradigm. Clients should appreciate the clear insight the author brings in identifying and describing the forces of change. Our employees should appreciate the observations about how these changes are affecting our profession.