Business books give gift that lasts, grows

The holidays are fast approaching. Shoppers search for that special gift. While choices seem endless, choosing is simple: Give gifts that keep on giving long after the holidays are over. Gifts of knowledge, motivation and self-improvement. Gifts they’ll thank you for many times.

Here are four suggestions in the $4.95-$25.95 range:

Under the heading “the more things change, the more they remain the same” is a book written in the 1930’s. “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper has a special place on my bookshelf. It can be found in the kid’s section of any bookstore. Prices range from $4.95 to $19.95 for the “executive” pop-up version. But make no mistake; Piper’s book is not kid’s stuff. Its “I Think I Can” message of inspiration and perspiration is a lesson adults must learn and apply every day if they want to achieve.

When I became a corporate VP, I gave a copy to each person in my area and every new hire. On a quarterly basis, I recognized individual performance by giving out “Little Engine” awards — models of old-fashioned locomotives. Within two years, everyone in the division had at least two; one salesperson earned five.

“There’s No Elevator to the Top” by Umesh Ramkrishnan, Portfolio, $25.95. How would you like to pick the brains of top executives to find out how they managed their careers? That’s exactly what Ramkrishnan, a noted executive recruiter did. Executives from Aetna, Coca-Cola, Dell, Fidelity, Lenovo, PepsiCo and other firms share what worked — and didn’t — for them.

The one thing that binds their stories: Building a career resembles rock wall climbing — going “up” by moving sideways, diagonally and sometimes even down to gain the toeholds and handholds of learning experiences.

Here are some key takeaways: Listening goes well beyond feedback. It’s an opportunity to show those around you that you acknowledge and appreciate their expertise, experience and concerns. Listening builds the highway leading to trust and respect, and adds the allies you’ll need on your climb.

The best time to advocate for change is when the company is doing well. It’s not a case of discarding what’s working; rather it’s an opportunity to leverage the momentum of a strong position to get to another level. Change emanating from strength yields more positive outcomes. When change is forced (i.e. when the firm is losing), it’s driven out of fear and lack of momentum; it’s rare that positive results come when backpedaling.

You can only play your A-game when surrounded by A-players. You need the best people to extract the best from you. They fill in your gaps and help eliminate your blindspots.

Written in an engaging, almost-conversational style, it feels like you’re having a lunch discussion with these movers and shakers.

“Brag! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It” by Peggy Klaus, Warner Business Books, $24.95. Think of bragging as the art of bringing forward your best parts with authenticity, pride and enthusiasm. It’s a way of showcasing your strengths.

The book’s numerous situational conversations (taken from Klaus’ communications coaching background) show how to use “brag bites” to find common ground, build engagement and put your best foot forward. Klaus believes artful braggers weave their brag bites into a two-way, information-sharing process. True braggarts just talk about themselves.

“Little Black Book of Connections — 6.5 Assets for Networking Your Way to RICH Relationships” by Jeffrey Gitomer, Bard Press, $19.95. “To climb the ladder of success, you don’t need more techniques and strategies, you need more friends.” While who you know makes a difference, how many you know makes a bigger difference. Just remember that friends won’t risk their reputations promoting you unless they’re sure you’re the real deal. How do you convince them you’re for real? By making their days. By connecting their dots.

Jim Pawlak is a nationally syndicated book reviewer.