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Amy's Reading List
The
Brand You 50
Tom Peters
I "grew up" with Tom Peters in graduate school, so I am a TB (true believer) in his philosophies regarding excellence at work.
Tom's "in your face" challenging style is perfect for those who have been "Dilbertized." The Brand You 50 is geared toward branding yourself in the workplace, but it can definitely be applied to branding a PAC or grassroots program.
Peters prods the reader to constantly ask "what's new and different about my program?" This book should help those of you who are in a professional or program rut!
The
Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
Malcolm Gladwell
This book should be required reading for those serious about grassroots success! I LOVE THIS BOOK!
Many of you know that I preach the importance of creating grassroots evangelists for your cause. Word of mouth is a powerful tool and should be employed to grow your program. Gladwell shows how ideas, products and movements are transformed through little things - like word of mouth.
Key people who "tip" things are either "connectors," "mavens," or "salespersons," or a combination of all three. Exceptional grassroots and PAC leaders should have these qualities. Read "The Tipping Point" to find out why.
Order The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference Today!
Credibility:
How Leaders Gain and Lose It, Why People Demand It
James M. Kouzes
Barry Z. Posner
Although published way back in 1993, this book is a must read for grassroots professionals who understand the need to lead and motivate others. I have always contended that some of the best grassroots programs have great leaders, not just great technology!
This book looks at why some leaders are able to earn their followers support and others are disdained. Based on surveys of more than 15,000 people, 40 case studies, and 400 in-depth interviews, the authors found that the effective leaders have credibility. I especially like the authors' "Six Disciplines of Credibility" and how to appreciate your constituents. (yes, they use the word constituents in the book!)
Order Credibility: How Leaders Gain and Lose It, Why People Demand It Today!
The
Founding Fathers on Leadership: Classic Teamwork in Changing Times
Donald T. Phillips
Based on the events during the American Revolution, Phillips examines the ways the Founding Fathers recruited, mobilized, motivated, and maintained the ultimate grassroots movement. Their practices, which we take for granted, are amazingly applicable to today's grassroots organizing.
My favorite chapter is "Travel with the Troops", where Phillips explains that being on the spot with your troops is the best way to motivate and maintain morale. When discussing General Washington's practice of leading by example, Phillips says, "Achieving results is directly proportional to a leader's willingness and ability to interact with people in the field. Research shows that the more frequent the human contact, the more results will be achieved." AMEN!
Order The Founding Fathers on Leadership: Classic Teamwork in Changing Times Today!
Bowling
Alone - The Collapse and Revival of American Community
Robert D. Putnam
I admit I'm partial to this book because Putnam's findings are congruent with my life experiences relative to grassroots participation-he has just documented it! Bowling Alone reveals what we intuitively know-that membership and participation in associations and groups has dramatically declined. The good news is that Putnam reveals which groups are flourishing and why. It doesn't take long to figure out what you need to do to have an authentic, active grassroots network after reading this book. If time is short, read Chapters 3 and 9.
Lincoln
on Leadership - Executive Strategies for Tough Times
Donald T. Phillips
This is a fun read for those who enjoy the uncommon joining of history and personal development. You think you have it tough? Learn from Lincoln and apply his insights gleaned during the most turbulent time in American history and apply them to your leadership role today. From "getting out of the office to circulate among the troops," to "master the art of public speaking," the author reminds us that Lincoln's adroit leadership skills are just as relevant today as they were in the midst of the Civil War.
Founding Brothers
- The Revolutionary Generation
Joseph J. Ellis
Despite the fact that Joseph Ellis has been suspended from his professorship at Mount Holyoke College due to lying about his service in Vietnam, this book is a wonderful collection of interactions between our nation's Founders.
He examines the lives of James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, George Washington, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. Ellis demonstrates that the Founding Brothers were antagonists at times, as well as brothers with a history- changing vision. He also dissects their exclusion of the slavery question, which was a result of their obsession with seeing the Revolution come to fruition. Founding Brothers gives us a perspective on the interpersonal forces that changed history, and teaches us some lessons about group behavior and organizational dynamics.