I truly do believe that reading opens doors to learning. I see that in the excited chatter of my grandkids when they read (or are read), a new book.

Whether the books you read are historical, fictional, inspirational, educational, or simply a well written murder mystery, the resulting ideas that take root can lead the reader down new and exciting paths…ending up who knows where?

Then, when you share those ideas, just watch and see the how they expand and develop into something greater than ever imagined.

This section is my way of introducing my current reading, and hoping that you will be inspired to pick up a new book…and share the learning!

 

The Culture Map: Decoding How People Think, Lead, and Get Things Done Across Cultures. by Erin Meyers

I know this is a book that has been read by many people…I know, because it came highly recommended by several others. So, why should you read this? If you are at all interested in gaining insight into other cultures, then this is for you. The author provides valuable insights from both research and experience, providing the reader with examples from real people. What I personally gained was a deeper understanding of how various cultures view things like communication, conflict resolution, deadlines, power differences, and simple rules of etiquette. For those working in a multi-cultural context, the guidance offered is invaluable. The first chapter introduces the concept of ‘Listening to the Air’, a simple yet lovely concept that offers a glimpse as to why communication can be so challenging. I left wanting to know more, to further connect with folks from cultures other than my own, and try, in some small way, to see the world through their eyes.

Virtual Teams Across Cultures: Create Successful Teams around the World by Theresa Sigillito Hollema

If you lead, are a member of a virtual team, or interact with team members from different cultures, then this book by Hollema is a must read. Virtual Teams is a wonderful followup after you devour The Culture Map (or as a first read on culture and teams). In this work, Hollema builds on the teachings of Meyer to develop the reader’s skill set as they transfer their cultural knowledge to working in Virtual Teams. The author presents her CALDO Model to help guide the reader through a framework in capturing the nuances of working with a variety of virtual team configurations. Hollema’s professional examples taken from her own consulting practice add clarity to the concepts, and introduce the reader to the real life challenges and solutions of individuals and teams she has worked with in a global context. As I interact with various cultures, and prepare business students to work on culturally diverse teams, this book will quickly become something I return to, and add to a class reading list.

Karamo. My Story of Embracing Purpose, Healing, and Hope by Karamo Brown

Sometimes you need a break from business books, or reading those filled with copious, intense content perfect for research purposes. My go to is often murder mysteries, but on this occasion, I chose a memoir of an individual who exudes optimism and hope…Karamo Brown. If you are a fan of ‘Queer Guy’, you will immediately know of whom I speak. In this book, Karamo shares his life, the good, bad, and ugly of it. He talks of how he overcame adversities that would have many of us cowering in the corner of our rooms. It’s a book that causes you to take an inward look at how we view those different from ourselves, and consider our level of diversity acceptance. It’s a book without blame or contempt, but rather one of forgiveness and acceptance. Karamo defines culture from a personal perspective, one that each one of us can surely relate to.

Stay tuned…more books to come!

Sneak preview:

• Humankind by Rutger Bregman
• Virtual Leadership by Bart Banfield
• Impact by Paul Gibbons
• Virtual Leadership by Penny Pullan
• Wired to Connect by Britt Andreatta
• The Practice of Adaptive Leadershi8p by Heifetz, Grashow, & Linsky
• Yes to the Mess by Frank Barrett
• Think Again by Adam Grant
• Thinking Remote by Pilar Orti and May Middlemiss
• Draft No. 4: on the writing process. by John McPhee
• The Kremlin School of Negotiation by Igor Ryzov
• Where is My Office by Chris Kane
• Dark Side by Ian MacRae
• Story Design
• Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson