Five Essential Novels for Business Leaders to Explore
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Chapter 1: The Value of Fiction in Leadership
It’s widely recognized that reading fiction offers significant benefits.
Many business executives I know tend to shy away from fiction, opting instead for management literature or occasional biographies. They might indulge in a thriller by Tom Clancy during vacation or revisit The Fountainhead from their youth. However, diving into a literary novel? That’s rare.
This is unfortunate because understanding the motivations behind employees, customers, and colleagues is crucial for effective leadership. While management books can provide useful information, nothing offers insight into human behavior quite like a novel—or perhaps poetry, but that’s a different discussion. The most authentic portrayals of our emotions and desires can be found in fictional narratives.
Experts in the field advocate for reading fiction among business leaders. In the Harvard Business Review, Dr. Brooke Vuckovic asserts that "both classic and contemporary fiction can significantly improve leaders' abilities to navigate moral complexities in the workplace." Dr. Christine Seifert expands on this, indicating that "recent neuroscience research shows that reading literary fiction enhances empathy, theory of mind, and critical thinking."
So, should you incorporate fiction into your reading list? Absolutely! Here are some recommendations to get you started:
Section 1.1: Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris
Full disclosure: My career has revolved around advertising, which likely explains my affection for Ferris's 2007 novel. It garnered a spot among the New York Times's top five novels that year.
Set in a Chicago ad agency, the narrative employs a first-person plural perspective, embodying the collective consciousness of the workplace. It vividly illustrates how an office cultivates its own identity and perceptions of its members, and how these dynamics shift with employee turnover. Ultimately, it reveals how little we truly comprehend about one another. This novel is both hilarious and poignant—everything a great story should be.
Why read it? Then We Came to the End offers insights into how an office forms a collective identity and how the narratives we create about our colleagues may not reflect reality. Plus, it’s genuinely funny—a perfect choice if you haven’t read fiction in a while.
The first video, "5 must-reads for every business leader! #shorts - YouTube," highlights essential readings that can enrich a leader's perspective.
Section 1.2: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
This novel, one of the standout books of 2022, offers a smartly crafted narrative with deeply flawed yet relatable characters.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow chronicles the journey of three friends who establish a computer gaming company based on a game they created as students in the late '80s. It explores their evolving relationships and the challenges of sustaining their business over two decades, all while navigating personal and emotional complexities.
Why read it? This story raises vital questions about balancing creativity with management. What happens when a visionary must lead a company? How do you share responsibilities among co-founders? It prompts reflection on the interplay between personal and professional relationships, and the impact of success. This engaging tale resonates with anyone, regardless of their background.
The second video, "Top 5 Leadership Books That Helped Me Grow from 0 - 50+ employees - YouTube," delves into leadership literature that supports growth in a business environment.
Chapter 2: The Lessons from Literary Classics
Section 2.1: Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis
Published in 1922, Lewis's novel became so influential that it gave rise to the term "babbitt," describing a materialistic and complacent businessman. George F. Babbitt, the main character, embodies this archetype until he faces a midlife crisis that challenges his mundane existence.
Babbitt grapples with the allure and anxiety of conformity, revealing the dissatisfaction lurking beneath American business life. He yearns for something greater but struggles to define it, ultimately returning to his conformist ways—a cautionary tale he imparts to his son.
Why read it? Babbitt invites you to reflect on your aspirations and consider the fulfillment of those you lead. Are they finding meaning in their work? This novel encourages you to examine your desires and those of your team.
Section 2.2: Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart
When it debuted in 2010, Shteyngart's dystopian vision of America felt unsettlingly plausible. Today, we inch closer to the unsettling reality he depicted.
Picture a world dominated by social media where everyone’s worth is quantified by rankings of attractiveness and wealth. It’s a reflection of consumerism and personal motivations in an increasingly corporate landscape.
Why read it? This novel serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls of consumer culture and the consequences of unchecked capitalism. As a business leader, it’s crucial to recognize the changes shaping our society.
Section 2.3: Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
You may have dreaded this novel in high school, and it’s likely you haven’t read it in its entirety. Yet, Moby-Dick, published in 1851, remains a quintessential American story.
Beyond the well-known narrative, it offers profound lessons about leadership—such as valuing your crew, learning from the failures of others, and recognizing the dangers of obsession.
Why read it? Engaging with Melville's rich language and complex themes can be a rewarding challenge. Completing a novel like this can foster a sense of accomplishment, preparing you for further literary adventures.
For additional recommendations, explore Radio Free Book Club, a monthly podcast where a diverse group of writers discusses contemporary novels. Happy reading!