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President’s Perspective
Recommended Reading
for REALTORS®
By Sue Lusk-Gleich
President
I remember growing up with all those expressions
of wisdom our parents and teachers would say to
us. Quotes like “Don’t talk to strangers,” “Practice
makes perfect,” “Never wear white shoes before
Easter or after Labor Day,” and “Books are your
friends… Read!” That last one is something I took
to heart. (I was not very compliant with “never talk
to strangers” and I seldom checked the calendar
before putting on white shoes.) I spent my school
years and adult life immersed in reading and it
remains one of my favorite pastimes.
Being an avid reader with varied interest, I am
in the middle of three or four books at any given
time. It depends on the day and mood as to which
one gets my attention. As a result of this passion, I
could produce a very long recommended reading
list. Instead, I will share with you a handful of my
favorites from across categories.
There are books that apply to our business and
then there are those that are useful in a business
context as well as in everyday life. These are
among of my favorites because they have multiple
applications. Two come to mind.
Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott is filled with
simple strategies to make our communications
more meaningful and memorable. The word
‘fierce’ in the title does not indicate violent or
demanding behavior but how to make conversations
more robust, powerful and meaningful all with
the goal of crafting interactions that are productive,
honest and real.
I am partial to most anything written by John Maxwell
and his book Everyone Communicates, Few
Connect is no exception. Mr. Maxwell points out
that there is more to connecting than just speaking.
His guiding principles urge you to forget your
agenda, remove the focus from yourself and value
others. It is a simple message, almost common
sense, but it is not always easily accomplished.
With this foundational wisdom, Maxwell includes
practices you can use to better connect with
others. Practical tips help you forge connections
one-on-one, in groups and in front of audiences.
On a side note, if you ever have the opportunity to
hear either of these authors speak, go! They are
incredibly dynamic.
The Traveler’s Gift and Mastering the Seven
Decisions, both by Andy Andrews, are inspirational
works that could also be considered self-help.
What I appreciate most about these two books
is that the concepts are based on solid choices
that are completely within the reach of anyone.
Reading is passive but changing your attitude and
behavior is active and more difficult. These books
give the reader techniques to master these decisions
and transformations.
On the lighter side, I recommend Before You Leap:
A Frog’s-Eye View of Life’s Greatest Lessons,
a book written by the lovable green amphibian
Kermit the Frog. To quote Kermit: “If this book can
drive you and those around you crazy with ridiculous
optimism, then it has done its job.” Kermit
shares his lessons in chapters titled “The Seven
Dreams of Highly Effective Amphibians,” “When
Bad Things Happen to Good Frogs,” “It’s Not
Easy Eating Greens,” “Finding Your Inner Tadpole”
and “Fridays with Fozzie.” Of course, the book
would not be complete without a chapter to Miss
Piggy called “Love Amphibian Style.” Ridiculous
optimism indeed! Couldn’t we all use some?
If your interest lies in improving your business,
then I highly recommend Jim Collins’ Good to
Great. The best thing about this book is how
simple it is to understand, making it easy to remember.
It details how to go from good company
to a great one, not what it takes to get there.
These principles apply to even a single agent’s
business.
There is much to be learned from the mistakes
and poor performance of others and on that topic, I
recommend Billion Dollar Lessons by Paul Carroll
and Chunka Mui. It is an easy read that describes
corporate contretemps, focusing on lessons that
can be learned about avoiding failure within a
context of important business history. Though I
am only halfway through this book to date, I still
recommend it. It is especially valuable to investors
who must make informed decisions about infusing
companies with funds.
A must-have for me is Stefan Swanepoel’s Trends
Report. Published every year, it is a comprehensive
guide to the trends occurring now and in the
future as well as the challenges and opportunities
facing our industry. It is an outstanding resource.
I am always on the hunt for great biographies and
autobiographies. My American Journey by Colin
Powell not only offers insight to the life and his
humble beginnings of this historical figure, it also
presented an insider’s view of Washington’s political
and military culture.
Another great read is Tom Brokaw’s The Greatest
Generation. Each chapter is its own short story,
giving a broad view of the times and people who
came of age in the 1940s. Through their honor,
integrity, courage, commitment, duty, sacrifice
and patriotism, they made America the nation it is
today.
For me, the most fun reads feature colorful, eccentric
characters and laugh-out-loud storylines.
Recommendations from my list include John
Brandt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,
any Fannie Flagg book including Fried Green
Tomatoes, The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk
Kidd and another great southern author, Lolly
Winston and her first novel, Good Grief. Each of
these confirms my belief that books are always
better than the movies!
Jodi Picoult is also among my favorite writers. Her
can’t-put-down books usually revolve around a
moral issue and all offer great storytelling. I am just
waiting for her next one to arrive on the bookstore
shelf.
Speaking of bookshelves, CBR’s Paul Falco Library
at the Board is brimming with rows and rows
of great business, motivational, inspirational and
sales training books, CDs and tapes. Next time
you are at the Board stop in, browse and borrow.
I would be remiss if I ended this article without
mentioning one of my favorite reads every
month so turn the page and enjoy this month’s In
Contract!
• May/June 2010 • In Contract Magazine • www.ColumbusRealtors.com