02.26.09
Posted in Entrepreneurs, Recommended Reading at 1:22 pm by Karen Donaldson
Leaders, especially entrepreneurs, expend so much energy each day that they are often left depleted and worn out. With all the tasks leaders juggle it’s important to consider what activities give you the most energy and what activities sap the most energy. Taking a few moments to consider where you get energy, whether it’s meeting with clients or taking 10 minutes for a brisk walk, can help you get through those activities which deplete your energy. Building in activities that give you energy will help you gain extra energy in your day. For those that deplete energy, consider delegating those tasks. I talked about this at the Columbia Women in Business conference last Friday when I was on a panel with Joanna Barsh, a McKinsey partner. Her article, a precursor to her book, on Centered Leadership which touches on the impact of energy flows, is available at mckinseyquarterly.com
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10.10.08
Posted in Recommended Reading at 12:35 pm by Karen Donaldson
Reading helps entrepreneurs expand their thinking, and bring on new approaches to addressing probems in their businesses. When I’m coaching business leaders, I often ask about books that they’ve read lately. This gives insight into their quest for continuous learning and growth. When leaders are expanding their minds by taking in the thoughts of different authors, they build skills of linking ideas to issues in their own businesses. Reading can help jump-start new ideas so that a leader can get out of a rut or solve a problem.
There are two books that are powerful for leaders: Keith Ferrazzi’s Never Eat Alone and The Answer by John Assaraf.
Never Eat Alone is a great tool for motivating a leader to take action and gain from others by giving first. An eye-opening question is, “who would take you to lunch?” How many people are willing to offer to buy you lunch to “pick your brain.” Are you known as an expert or resource so that others want to connect with you? If not, this book is filled with approaches to get you giving back to others to gain the value of a strong network.
John Assaraf’s book for entrepreneurial minds provides a wealth of ideas on how to create an inspiring vision, and think through the steps to putting business processes in place to support your vision. The book is geared toward developing and growing your business. With the power of a clear vision, an entrepreneur is more likely to build an organization and processes to support that vision. The insights about customers and determining and marketing to your ideal customer provides tips that can save businesses time, and increase revenue. This book offers a lot of great ideas to motivate leaders and move a business forward.
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