I am a voracious reader and have at least two or three books ‘in play’ at any given time. One for work, one for pleasure, one because it was just too interesting to not read.

Recently, Jim Stroup from Managing Leadership tagged me with the opportunity to discuss the book I am currently reading and ones I may have lined up for the near future. I am also supposed to excerpt the sixth through eighth sentences on page 123 of my current book. Will do!

  • The book in play right now is Discourses On Art by Sir Joshua Reynolds. This book is about the history of European art and is written as a composition of lectures given by the author at the Royal Academy in the late eighteenth century. The general topics are a summary of the previous 300 years of art theory and the education of the artist: the purpose of art, the nature of the creative process, and the artist’s relation to tradition.

Excerpt from page 123, sentences 6 – 8: Of the judgment which which we make on the works of art, and the preference that we give to one class of art over another, if a reason be demanded, the question is perhaps evaded by answering, I judge from my taste; but it does not follow that a better answer cannot be given, though, for common gazers, this may be sufficient. Every man is not aligned to investigate the causes of his approbation or dislike. The arts would lie open for ever to caprice and casualty, if those who are to judge of their excellences had no settled principles by which they are to regulate their decisions, and the merit or defect of performances were to be determined by unguided fancy.

WHY READ?

How would the message in this excerpt be translated into managing organizational performance? One way could be in communications. If an organization does not communicate to its employees on a subject, the employees will make up their own stories. Is that good or bad? Another application could be with innovation. “Bring us new products!” may sound like a motivating rally cry. Without some guidance or parameters, will companies get the most sustainable opportunities? Hmmm…your thoughts?

The rest of the books listed are just started or in line to be read soon (no particular order):

  • The Trusted Advisor by David H. Maister, Charles H. Green and Robert M. Galford. We are all advisors in some capacity.
  • How to Escape Your Comfort Zones by Lee Johnson with Albert Koopman. I feel I don’t need to read this. Exactly the time to do it.
  • The Dip by Seth Godin. This is a book I re-read every time I prepare for a strategy session. Highly recommended.
  • Churchill: A Biography by Roy Jenkins. There is something to learn from anyone who has faced adversity and demonstrated courage.
  • The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp, M.D. We’re expecting a girl in late July and are inundated with ‘sleep’ theories.
  • Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. I read something by Shakespeare at least once a year. This writing style helps me expand my creative writing skills, and conversely teaches me to write succinctly for business. I enjoy the eloquence of language and the exercise of trying to summarize a lengthy passage in 25 words or less.

WHO IS NEXT?

I am going to tag the following people because I experience them as life-long learners and readers of a variety of topics. I look forward to learning more about their choices – I trust you are as well!

I know these people will have outstanding selections to offer. Some are already linked on their sites. The rest we’ll hope they share soon!
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I would appreciate your input on what YOU are reading. Any suggestions for my stack? Comment on this post or email me at thehappyburro@gmail.com

Joe Raasch :: Apr.12.2008 :: Life, Personal :: 4 Comments »