Think Weeks Approaches
I read somewhere that Bill Gates retreats for a few weeks to read whitepapers and books in order to strategize for the future. I know there are fewer Bill Gates fans out there these days, but idea has definite merit. So as I embark on another vacation, I usually spend a couple of weeks trying to decide what readings I’m going to take along with me. Of course, I never work through every book I take, I just want to have the variety around me just in case I stall on a book or just am in a different mood on a particular day.
So what am I taking this year? In no particular order:
- Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath.
- Mavericks at Work by William C. Taylor and Polly G. LaBarre
- Wikinomics by Don Tapscott and Anthony D. Williams
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- Dreaming in Code by Scott Rosenberg
You’ll note that none of these books is technical in nature — well, you could make a case for Dreaming in Code, but its certainly a different sort of book about technology. I get a full dose of technology during the other 50 weeks of the year. I treat these two weeks as an opportunity to read about business strategy, marketing, innovation, or human behavior.
So why this mix of books. Made to Stick is about the science of memorable ideas and appears to be incredibly well-written. I am guessing I’ll power through this book and maybe even complete it on the plane. Who among us does not need to know how to sell their ideas? You need this skill every day, though admittedly some ideas are bigger and deserve more attention in their craftsmanship.
I have already read over half of Mavericks at Work, so this one will get finished fast as well. I enjoy reading about creativity in the workplace. If you’ve been in a culture where you feel somewhat suppressed, reading a book like this gives you hope and inspiration for the future. I’m particularly enjoying the sections that talk about Southwest Airlines since they are a local company. Their culture seems to be remarkable.
Wikinomics and The Wisdom of Crowds are two books that center are on group behavior in the online and offline worlds. Though the perspectives are different, I’m very interested to read about each. I’m reading these two for insight into the growing popularity for social websites. And who knows, maybe I have an idea rolling around in my head that needs to be nourished.
And finally, Dreaming in Code. This looks like an interesting book, though I can see myself stalling out on it as it might remind me too much of the other 50 weeks in my life. I’m not sure when I’ll start this one, but it will get read at some point. At any rate, I would really like to see what others’ experiences are.
Not making the trip is Release It which is a book about properly architecting systems for their life in a production environment. You say that every system eventually goes to production, eh? This would be true, but you’d be surprised how little thought goes into the post-development landscape. I have read the first part of this book and many of the anecdotes are ringing very true and familiar. But of course, as I say that, don’t think that I design crappy systems. All I can say is that sometimes constraints beyond your control lead you down a sub-optimal path. The trick is to minimize risks in the face of the constraints you will surely have. Obviously, this book doesn’t make the trip because this is the life I lead outside of Think Weeks.