By Rolf Crocker

There are two ways to learn – through your own mistakes, or through the mistakes of others.  Last Saturday, I was at a ball game with my family and a bunch of friends.  I had my longboard (a skateboard about 42” long) with me and was taking turns riding in the plaza.  Someone asked me if I used safety gear, which I emphatically stated that I did, but did not have it with me.  It wasn’t five minutes later, as I was riding my board to the parking garage, that the rear wheels caught the lip of a curb, in full view of the group.  They saw my yellow Spongebob Squarepants cooler fly over the top of me, as I sailed to a hard landing on the cement.  With no gear, I tweaked my left wrist pretty good (still twinges as I write this!).  A thunderous round of cheering and applause followed.

My point?  As I said at the outset – there are two ways to learn.  Books are one of the best ways to learn from the mistakes (and certainly the successes) of others!  Two excellent books for your consideration this month:

The Paradox of Power – A Transforming View Of Leadership by Pat Williams (©2002 Warner Books) Pat Williams is Senior Vice President of the Orlando Magic, has served in the Front Office of several successful sports franchises (including the Chicago Bulls when Michael Jordan had his incredible run), and is one of the most in-demand speakers on the subject of leadership.  If you do not mind a book on leadership from a spiritual (Christian) perspective, this one will not disappoint!  Williams, through stories of world-class leaders and sports anecdotes, illustrates the truths of how great men and women from history and today follow the paradoxical leadership model of Jesus Christ. With chapter titles like, “A Visionary Leader Sees What Isn’t There’, “A Wise Leader Dares To Be A Fool” and “The Successful Leader Encourages Failure”, you are sure to be challenged in your leadership world view.  To cop a phrase from the title, it is an unusual ‘Paradox of People’, and an excellent read.  5 stars!

Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln – 21 Powerful Secrets of History’s Greatest Speakers - James C. Humes (©2002 Three Rivers Press).  Ever wonder how people like Churchill, MLK Jr., Susan B. Anthony and FDR were able to command the attention of thousands, and even millions?  James Humes, author, historian, professor and former speechwriter for several presidents, explains the tools used by the some of the greatest orators in history.  Learn to use the ‘Power Pause’, the ‘Power Quote’ and the ‘Power Closer’.  Filled with stories and anecdotes, the book is a relatively short read at 199 pages.  4 Stars!