Strategy is not just important in the professional realm. It offers a structured approach to achieving long-term goals in any aspect of life. I recommend that everyone learn about strategy because it empowers individuals to navigate life’s complexities, make informed choices, and work toward success with purpose and direction.
Throughout my personal life, I have strived to understand strategy deeply. I have helped to write strategic plans, written University papers on strategy, and read books on the subject. So, take it from me when I say these are worth the read:
1. Leadership for a Better World
I first read “Leadership for a Better World” by Komives, Lucas, and McMahon in a third-year environmental studies course. It is an insightful guide to ethical leadership. The book explores leadership to create positive change and focuses on developing leaders with strong moral and social values. It emphasizes the importance of empathy, integrity, and a commitment to social justice in leadership roles. Drawing from real-world examples, the authors provide practical tools and frameworks to inspire people to become responsible and impactful leaders.
2. Start with Why
“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek delves into the profound concept of finding your purpose. It suggests that understanding the ‘why’ behind your actions, rather than just the ‘how’ or ‘what,’ is the key to success and leadership. The book explores how inspirational leaders and organizations start by defining their core beliefs and values before addressing the ‘how’ and ‘what.’
My biggest takeaway is that people are motivated by purpose and passion. To be a successful entrepreneur, activist, or politician, do not assume a specific product exclusively drives your audience. Treat your audience seriously and speak to more profound issues; you might just be surprised by the results.
3. Winners and How They Succeed
In “Winners and How They Succeed,” Alastair Campbell explores the attributes and strategies that set winners apart. Drawing from interviews with high achievers in various fields, Campbell uncovers common traits like resilience, determination, and adaptability that underpin their success. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals, maintaining a winning mindset, and learning from failure.
While I disagree with his politics, there is no question that Alastair Campbell understands strategy better than almost anyone on earth, and if you are looking for a book that outlines the specific steps one needs to take to succeed, look no further.
4. Engagement Organizing
A few years ago, I came across “Engagement Organizing,” a book by Matt Price that redefines traditional approaches to community organizing. With case studies from across Canada, it focuses on leveraging the power of digital tools and social media to build solid and decentralized movements. Price outlines innovative strategies for engaging volunteers and supporters, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, data-driven decision-making, and cultures of shared leadership.
5. Envisioning a Sustainable World
In Donella Meadows’ “Envisioning a Sustainable World,” I discovered a powerful call to action for a sustainable future. Meadows eloquently emphasizes the importance of dreaming the impossible when finding holistic solutions to society’s challenges. She discusses the appeal of short-term fixes and the condescension that many professionals have towards idealism. Meadows’ work emphasizes the importance of being abstract, theorizing, and imagination in strategy.
Dakota McGovern 