One of the perks of coaching and leading physicians is that I get to work with a bunch of wicked smart people. Medicine has a culture of knowledge sharing that accelerates learning. Each consult, each meeting, and each visit is an opportunity to learn a really interesting chunk of wisdom or a different approach to an issue from a well-educated colleague.
This week I share my Top 5 Favorite Business Books. Which books do you think I missed?
Top 5 Business Books for Physicians
1. What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith
A blunt and revealing explanation of how successful people may fail to realize that their own behavior is what keeps them from accomplishing more. A nice book for behavioral insight.
2. Negotiation Genius by Deepak Malhotra
How do you discover hidden information and leverage? How do you diffuse difficult circumstances? How do you negotiate ethically to create trusting relationships? It’s all in there.
3. The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement by Eliyahu Goldratt
Written as a parable about a factory manager whose factory and marriage are going downhill. Essential reading to understand the interplay between throughput, inventory, and operational expenses. A fun read and very applicable.
4. So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport
Build competitive advantage and fulfillment by becoming an expert at a difficult skill. Debunks the idea that “following your passion” is good advice.
5. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Use agile, quick experiments to test assumptions and improve business. A great look at how innovative technology startups are using the lean process to build, adapt and pivot to create great products. An excellent model for entrepreneurial healthcare organizations.
What are your Top 5s?
Which of your favorite business books am I missing? Share them with us on Twitter.
Here are some Select Comments about this post from Twitter:
@drrwinters @mgkatz036 Crucial Conversations and Crucial Confrontations have few if any peers. Must read slowly and absorb and practice.
— Tom Peters (@tom_peters) July 1, 2013
@drrwinters Glaring omission… I use this on a daily / hourly basis: http://t.co/EHJy2fddIm
— Michael Katz (@MGKatz036) June 24, 2013