Building Whisperer Reading List
Quality, Consequences and the Construction Industrial Complex (part 156).
Remember books? They are a bit like Google but made of paper.
I have been lucky to have a confucian respect for reading and knowledge acquisition pounded into me by my parents. Books have literally changed my life and worldview. I regularly re-read impactful books to ensure lessons are learned. I have been asked several times what books I would recommend to students and life long learners. It is impossible to chose one, so my suggested reading list follows below.
This list covers, engineering, history, economics, soft skills, leadership and politics. IMHO, having an understanding of history, economics, philosophy and politics is necessary to succeed in any walk of life. Add to this understanding, deep expertise in a given field plus honed soft skills and anyone will be set for success.
There are a few books on the reading list that deserve a call out:
1. Extreme Ownership – IMHO this is one of the most important management / leadership books written.
2. The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists – This is a first hand account of life as a victorian artisan in the construction business. It describes life, hardship, cronyism and corruption in excruciating detail. It is heart breaking and profound.
3. Titan – whatever you may think of Rockefeller, his life was extraordinary and he invented the modern corporation in use today.
4. Surely You are Joking Mr Feynman – Richard Feynman was a scientist, teacher, raconteur and musician. He had some notable quotes, such as; “If you cannot explain something to a first year student, then you haven’t really understood” and “I’m smart enough to know that I’m dumb”. He is a great example of a life well lived with the benefits of a multi talent stack.
I hope you enjoy these books as much as I did.
Building Whisperer Reading List
If you are running a business or worried about your retirement there are two more honourable mentions:
Building Whisperer Reading List Honourable Mentions
Twitter: @BLDWhisperer
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#107 – CxM Talent Stack – The 1% ( https://bldwhisperer.com/cxm-talent-stack-the-1/ )
#60 – It Takes How Long! ( https://bldwhisperer.com/it-takes-how-long/ )
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