MBA Summer Reading 2010

image: cmcgough

One of my favorite annual posts on MBA in the USA is the summer reading post published when Brandon and I spend beach week with my extended family. As you dedicated followers know, I’m a big nerd, or constant learner if you will.

I’ve read a lot of books since last year’s post; here are 3 of my favorites:

1. Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing (Quick & Dirty Tips)
Grammar Girl, Mignon Fogarty, spins creative tales to spice up the world of US English grammar. She provides clear explanations with detailed examples of common grammar mistakes, and somehow makes that a fun read. I guarantee this book will improve your writing as you prepare your MBA applications and complete your coursework.

2. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
In Drive, Daniel Pink highlights new ideas to motivate employees and encourage innovation in the workplace. He explores the world of US business and companies find the greatest success by moving beyond traditional motivators (e.g. money) to intrinsic motivators (e.g. autonomy). An excellent case study on the future of management, this book will be especially valuable for international students seeking to understand how to succeed in the USA.

3. The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It
Michael Gerber breaks down what it takes to run a successful small business. He introduces a concept I like to call the Success Trinity that is truly one of the most valuable things I’ve learned in business, and brings theories to life with examples carried throughout the text. This easy to follow book provides a solid guide for anyone interested in Entrepreneurship.

For more MBA summer reading, check out Francesca Di Meglio’s BusinessWeek list.