Great Books That Shaped The B-School Elite

Another very interesting book I am reading is Reset: How This Crisis Can Restore Our Values and Renew America by Kurt Andersen. It is on what America can learn in terms of values in the aftermath of the financial crisis. How do we reset ourselves to be better and stronger and more cohesive as people in this situation?

I am also deep into The Civil War: The First Year Told by Those Who Lived It. This is the first in a five-part series published by the Library of America. As a historian, this book helps me understand our very own turbulent moments and when we are in the midst of them, how to make sense of things.

What do you prefer – reading from real books or on Kindles and iPads?

I always read in paper partly because I am a historian – I tend to live in the past. But I just got an iPad! I tend to do most of my reading in bed and in the bathtub. So I will probably still read a lot on paper. But if you are going to travel – which I do a lot for work – the iPad is amazing. I will always be loyal to paper but I suppose I’ll start reading much more on this little white toy when I am travelling on planes and trains.

If you are stranded alone on an island which is the one book you would like for company and why?

The Complete Works of Shakespeare. Shakespeare’s play are rife with leadership lessons—large and small—and what it means to live a life of worth, dignity and impact.

Dave Ulrich of Michigan’s Ross School:

DAVE ULRICH

Professor of Business Administration and Director, Human Resource Executive Program, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan:

Which book has influenced you the most?

I read for professional and personal growth and for pleasure. Professionally, I like to read authors, not books. An author comes to life through the books they write and I like to spend time with the authors through their books. My professional author list includes Ed Lawler, Steve Kerr, Lynda Gratton, C.K. Prahalad, Gary Hamel, Bob Eichinger, Ram Charan, Jac Fitz Enz, John Boudreau, Marshall Goldsmith and Dick Beatty. I have probably read every book these people have written. Personally, I find comfort and insight from reading scriptures. For pleasure, I read escape novels that you would find on the top sellers list. I like to find an author I enjoy and read all of his or her books in order. The authors I typically go for are Jonathan Kellerman, Faye Kellerman, John Sandford, Robert Ludlum, Richard North Patterson, Daniel Silva, Brad Thor, Steve Berry, Michael Connelly, Vince Flynn and James Paterson.

What do you plan to read next?

In the last few weeks, I have ordered Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand, The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam by Barbara W. Tuchman and The Drama of the Gifted Child: The Search for the True Self by Alice Miller. A client I am coaching had a gifted child background so I wanted to learn about what might affect his ability to lead. I am also going to read Corporate Governance Matters: A Closer Look at Organizational Choices and Their Consequences by David Larcker and Brian Tayan. I am doing research on how investors see leaders and the book was recommended by a friend.

Do you prefer real books or would you rather read on a digital device?

Real books. We spend a lot of money on books. I don’t read the Kindle or electronic books.

If you are stranded alone on an island which is the one book you would like for company and why?

Scriptures. I can read many voices, hear words of comfort, and appreciate God’s continuing influence in our lives. I read the Bible – I particularly like the four gospels.