This article originally appeared in USA Today on December 19, 2019. Article by Jeff Stibel, Special to USA TODAY.
Holiday reading lists are always packed with business books. Problem is, most books about business are uninspiring. The best books about business typically have absolutely nothing to do with business. This is true of most things: we learn more by applying knowledge than from copying it.
In that spirit, my list of must-read business books for the holidays has everything and nothing to do with business. If you want to get an edge next year in business, read about parenting:
The Power of Showing Up by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
Showing up is so simple yet so hard. As a parent, it is my single biggest challenge, and it is equally difficult to do in business. I spent time with Tina while she was writing her book and it was immediately clear to me that her message transcends parenting.
Being present is often the difference between success and failure in life. But how many of us actually remain in the moment, available and at the ready. I studied this book first with my children in mind. And then I read it a second time as a business book. I am still deciding what genre it actually belongs to.
Business isn’t that hard, or at least it is no more difficult than raising a child. Actually, both are pretty hard and similar in many respects. While somewhat surprising at first blush, it is no coincidence that as an entrepreneur, I know a lot of parenting experts.
To be sure, I have two kids and want to be the best parent possible. But I also have other “kids” in the form of businesses. Whether you work at a business or run one, a good parenting book might be the perfect stor over the holidays to help jump start your business career in the new year.
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