5 Books Leaders Should Read In August 2020

Reading is a great way to gain knowledge. Authors have poured their lives into sharing what they’ve learned.

This is why reading is so important for a leader. He can take a look into the minds of great leaders and learn what they did without all of the missteps along the way.

Who wouldn’t want this?

Bookcase full of books

Photo by 🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič

That’s why I’ve started sharing book recommendations starting last month. At the end of every month, I will share 5 books leaders should read the next month. You don’t have to read them all. You can pick and choose.

Whatever you do, this list of leadership books will help you take your leadership to the next level.

4 Reasons A Clutter-Free Workspace Can Be Damaging

You may have heard a few of these sayings: A clear desk equals a clear mind. A cluttered workspace means a cluttered mind. It’s hard to find what you need in a cluttered workspace.

Most of the productivity gurus will say something along those lines. They’ll tell you how much more productive you’ll be if only you cleaned your workspace.

Can I be honest? I’ve tried to have a clutter-free workspace. I’ve cleaned my desk only to reclean it. When it’s all said and done, I then have the anxiety of trying to keep my workspace clean.

Maybe I’m more like Albert Einstein who once said “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” Or I could be like Steve Jobs. Check out his desk.

Quotes And Leadership Lessons From Hamilton The Musical

Hamilton the musical has taken the world by storm. Theaters and playhouses have sold out of the record-breaking play about the life of Alexander Hamilton (Lin-Manuel Miranda).

Recently released on Disney Plus, Hamilton was recorded live in New York City in 2016. The recording took place at the historic Richard Rodgers Theater. This recording includes the original Broadway cast.

Logo from Hamilton the musical

It was a treat to watch the talented actors and actresses portray Hamilton, King George (Jonathan Groff), George Washington (Chris Jackson), Aaron Burr (Leslie Odom Jr.), James Madison/Hercules Mulligan (Okrieriete Onaodowan), Angelica Schuyler (Renee Elise Goldsberry), and Eliza Hamilton (Phillipa Soo). Each Actor and actress brought something unique and entertaining to the show.

One of the highlights was the vocal talents of the crew. Their range in tone and style was incredible.

This is why you should watch Hamilton. You will see talented men and women work their craft.

Know Your Limits

Growing up, I remember the popular sayings of the time. We had No fear! We had Sweet! Or DUDE!

Every generation has a set of words that defines their generation. Those were but a few of the words that could define the 1990’s.

Photo of snow covered mountains

Photo by Timon Studler

A new phrase has popped up recently. The phrase is a dangerous one. It puts you in a dangerous position if you believe in it.

No Limits

I’ve heard this phrase so many times. Every time I hear it, I cringe.

I know the meaning behind the saying. It sounds good.

The dangerous phrase is “No limits.”

In the personal development world, we hear this a lot. We see people like Nick Vujicic who was born without limbs.

His story is inspiring. He has learned how to live outside of the limits others would have placed on him.

Being A Fantastic Leader Means Understanding Your Employees

This is a contributed post to JMLalonde.com. For more information on contributing a post, please see our contributing policies.

If you want to be a fantastic leader, then you’ve got to do everything in your power to understand your employees. Don’t think that now because you are the boss that you are somehow more important than them because this simply is not the case. In fact, it means that you should work harder than ever before to make sure that everyone is taken care of and has everything they need to make their life that little bit easier. Being a fantastic leader doesn’t come easily to everyone, so it’s important that you work on this if you know that you struggle.