Reading Recommendation Short Takes 10/25/21

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There are, conservatively, 300 gazillion books published every year. No one has the time to list them, let alone read them or review them. That’s a problem because there’s a lot of value in many books you may not hear about because of the clutter.

“Short Takes” is my small effort to cut through the clutter and highlight business books that might be perfect for your next read. Here are pointers to Impact Players: How to Take the Lead, Play Bigger, and Multiply Your Impact and Made from Scratch: The Legendary Success Story of Texas Roadhouse.

Impact Players: How to Take the Lead, Play Bigger, and Multiply Your Impact

Liz Wiseman defines two distinct ways of working. Contributors do their jobs well. They contribute to the organization. But Impact Players are the leaders in the pack. They’re the folks who step up, take action in a crisis, and deliver the leadership that helps organizations move forward.

The first six chapters of Impact Players describe the difference between Impact Players and equally qualified Contributors. The final chapters of the book are the “here’s how to do it” section. They describe how to become an Impact Player, build an impactful team, and how to “play all in.”

Made from Scratch: The Legendary Success Story of Texas Roadhouse

Kent Taylor was the founder of Texas Roadhouse restaurants. Made from Scratch tells the story of how he worked hard for twenty years to turn both into an overnight success. He completed the manuscript shortly before he died from COVID in March 2021.

There’s a lot here about the struggle and about the people along the way. There’s some leadership advice, too. Chapters end with “Made-from-Scratch Sides” with lessons Taylor learned. The list of “15 Ways to Keep Your Legacy” begins with “Legendary Food, Legendary Service, Always.” The list ends with “Fun.”

I hope I’ve helped you decide if either of these books is for you. I’d love it if you’d tell me what you’re reading or thinking about reading. You’ll help me decide what to write about.

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