How The Mighty Fall by Jim Collins, the author of the classic
work Good
to Great. This one really got me thinking, just as Good to Great did. I really
he nails it, certain companies fail for the same reason sports teams and
organizations fail. It is worth reading if you are committed to sustained
excellence and want to know the perils and pitfalls to avoid. Conversely it
will stimulate to think of things that you need to and focus on to be the best.
The other book is Strokes
Of Genius by L. Jon Werthem centers on the 2008 Wimbledon final match between
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. I could
not put it down, even though I knew the result. This is a terrific insight
into to two great athletes, how they prepare and compete. What was most
fascinating was their background and early careers in the
sport. Neither was the product of an academy, supportive but not pushy parents
who gave them the opportunity to excel if they wanted to. Definitely two class
acts.