As an e-commerce business owner and specialist, there is never an end to learning.   I personally try to always have literature that I am reading to learn more about the industry.   Just as important as industry news, overall leadership development is just as important.   Whether you are managing a multi-million dollar e-commerce enterprise or just flipping a few items on Amazon FBA, it’s important to keep yourself motivated and educated with leadership and business skills.

I recently took two days to attend the Global Leadership Summit and in that 48 hours I received enough inspiration to push myself for quite a while.   Every speaker was powerful and had amazing insights.   I walked away wanting to purchase every single book and resource available; yet, I also had to recognize that I only have a limited amount of time to read so I’ve narrowed my first “purchase list” down to two important books.

#1:  Intentional Living:  Choosing a Life that Matters by John C. Maxwell

John Maxwell is a household name in the world of leadership development.   I was truly inspired by his speech and have always enjoyed his books.   For anyone seeking to become a better leader, his books should be in your library.

The only thing that you need to achieve significance is to be intentional.  And to do that, all you need to do is start.  Every major accomplishment that’s ever been achieved started with a first step.  John Maxwell helps you take that first step, and the ones that follow, on your personal path through a life that matters.

#2:  The 4 Disciplines of Execution:  Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey

 If you are anything like me (gasp) you are quick to dream big and have grand visions for what your company will become … but the details and execution are so much harder to come by.    I am a dreamer, a visionary, and entrepreneur, a big-picture guy.   I think it’s fair to say there is little “disciple” in my steps of execution.   I tend to throw it all against the wall to see what sticks.

For the creative dreamer type, we need someone to come along and bring some structure and discipline to our goal-setting.   For that reason, this book has to be on my “must-read” list.

Producing breakthrough results, even when executing strategy requires a behavioral change.  The 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) is a simple, repeatable, proven formula for executing on your most important strategic priorities in the midst of a whirlwind of urgent activity.

A “whirlwind of urgent activity” certainly describes my life so I can’t wait to dig into this further.

I’ll be taking a few days to escape the madness soon.  My wife and I will be going to a resort (no kids!) and take time to read, rest, and relax.  I’ll have these books along for the ride and can’t wait to share some of the insights.

If you are serious about leading and executing in your business and personal life, consider checking this out as well.