President’s Perspective Recommended Reading for REALTORS® By Sue Lusk-Gleich President I remember growing up with all those expressions <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> my favorite pastimes. Being an avid reader with varied interest, I am in the middle <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> this passion, I could produce a very long recommended reading list. Instead, I will share with you a handful <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> audiences. On a side note, if you ever have the opportunity to hear either <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> Highly Effective Amphibians,” “When Bad Things Happen to Good Frogs,” “It’s <strong>No</strong>t 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 <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong>fers insight to the life and his humble beginnings <strong>of</strong> this historical figure, it also presented an insider’s view <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> the times and people who came <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> Good and Evil, any Fannie Flagg book including Fried Green Tomatoes, The Secret Life <strong>of</strong> Bees by Sue Monk Kidd and another great southern author, Lolly Winston and her first novel, Good Grief. Each <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong>fer great storytelling. I am just waiting for her next one to arrive on the bookstore shelf. Speaking <strong>of</strong> bookshelves, CBR’s Paul Falco Library at the <strong>Board</strong> is brimming with rows and rows <strong>of</strong> great business, motivational, inspirational and sales training books, CDs and tapes. Next time you are at the <strong>Board</strong> stop in, browse and borrow. I would be remiss if I ended this article without mentioning one <strong>of</strong> my favorite reads every month so turn the page and enjoy this month’s In Contract! • May/June 2010 • In Contract Magazine • www.<strong>Columbus</strong><strong>Realtors</strong>.com
www.<strong>Columbus</strong><strong>Realtors</strong>.com • In Contract Magazine • May/June 2010 •