Six Books I Like for September 2012

Which book should we RAP for September 2012? Here’s six books to select from.

Last month we rapped Michael Saylor’s The Mobile Wave.

Here’s our six new contenders for September… Which one would you like us to RAP?

Courage Quotient

How science can make you braver
Robert Biswas-Diener
(Self Leadership)

Science shows us that those of us who are bold enough to pursue what they want enjoy greater success and happiness. And, whilst we think courage is either something you’re born with or not, science tells another story. Courage can be learnt! And, this book contains specific suggestions to increase our ability to be courageous.

Robert Biswas-Diener is known as the Indiana Jones of Positive Psychology and is a researcher and writer on happiness.

[easyazon-link asin=”0470917423″ locale=”us”]Buy ‘The Courage Quotient’ on Amazon (affiliate link)[/easyazon-link]

Good Strategy, Bad Strategy

The difference and why it matters
Richard Rumelt
(Plan)

Leaders create strategy. It’s a core activity. And, too much strategy is merely fluffy slogans linked to financial goals. That’s bad strategy. This book points out the flaws in most strategy and provides the framework for creating good strategy – that helps you overcome the obstacles to achieving your business goals.

Richard Rumelt is a professor in the Anderson School of Management at UCLA.

[easyazon-link asin=”0307886239″ locale=”us”]Buy ‘Good Strategy Bad Strategy’ on Amazon (affiliate link)[/easyazon-link]

Uprising

How to build a brand – and change the world – by sparking cultural movements
Scott Goodson
(Engage Others)

What’s the best way to use social media to further your marketing efforts? It’s to create a movement. And, this book tells you how to start and fuel a movement around your big idea.

Scott Goodson is a founder of global marketing/advertising agency, Strawberry Frog.

[easyazon-link asin=”0071782826″ locale=”us”]Buy ‘Uprising’ on Amazon (affiliate link)[/easyazon-link]

Design Like Apple

Seven principles for creating insanely great products, services and experiences
John Edson
(Innovate)

What can we learn from Apple about creating great products? In this book,

Edson provides seven design principles that are a cross between design thinking and savvy business design.

John Edson is President of LUNAR, a leading global design firm whose clients have included Apple.

[easyazon-link asin=”1118290313″ locale=”us”]Buy ‘Design Like Apple’ on Amazon (affiliate link)[/easyazon-link]

Velocity

The seven new laws for a world gone digital
Ajaz Ahmed and Stefan Olander
(Market)

In an era of rapid change, this book offers seven timeless laws for business to play and win in the digital world. Written as a conversation between the authors it’s a dance of ideas, insights and innovations.

Ajaz Ahmed is founder and chairman of AKQA, the world’s largest independent innovation agency. Stefan Olander is the vice-president of digital sport at Nike.

[easyazon-link asin=”0091947561″ locale=”us”]Buy ‘Velocity’ on Amazon (affiliate link)[/easyazon-link]

Too Big To Know

Rethinking knowledge now that the facts aren’t the facts, experts are everywhere and the smartest person in the room is the room
David Weinberger
(Big Ideas)

This book looks at how the internet is changing what we know. It’s put a fresh context around information overload and shows how to take advantage of social learning.

David Weinberger is a Senior Researcher at Harvard University and a co-author of the infamous The Cluetrainn Manifesto.

[easyazon-link asin=”0465021425″ locale=”us”]Buy ‘Too Big to Know’ on Amazon (affiliate link)[/easyazon-link]

Which book should we RAP? Post your comment below.