20 Characteristics of Successful Senior Executives By Dan McCarthy

Dan wrote this brilliant list of 20 Characteristics that we think nails what you’re looking for when you’re creating a senior team, or in your early stage, those who you want to grow with the business.

Self Made in America by John McCormack

We discovered this book many years ago and while it is out of print, used copies can still be found. John talks about why so many first generation immigrants are wildly successful when they come to the US and what it takes to build a successful company from nothing.

The Founder’s Dilemmas by Noam Wasserman

This is a great book that covers one important consideration. Do you want wealth or power? Few founders get to have both. It covers some of the delicate issues we confront in our practice where some founders want it both ways but lack the skills to both grow their baby and gain the wealth they desire.

Inversion Thinking by James Clear

James covers one brilliant way to vet an idea by thinking in reverse. Why wouldn’t the idea work? It was the basis for our building the wildly successful Exotics at Redmond Town Center. It’s a useful way to conduct due diligence on any great idea or strategy.

The Society for Effectual Action

We recently discovered this organization and the work they are doing to uncover the secrets of how entrepreneurs become successful, especially those who have had more than one success. The principals are simple and easy to understand and they work. We’ve used them for years, but never knew it was a thing until recently.

Dunning-Kruger Effect

We’ve been fascinated by the parallel between Dunning-Kruger and how senior leadership gets stuck by thinking they know all there is to know. One company continually hired the wrong experts because they had no frame of reference for the right experts. It is best illustrated by the Dunning-Kruger Curve.

Radical Road to Self-Esteem by David K. Reynolds

This is a short interview with David about his views on self-esteem and how to build it. He also wrote a terrific small book called Constructive Living which I highly recommend.

Dr. Keith Dunbar Suggested Readings

Harvard Business Review- What leaders need to know about organizational culture

Harvard Business Review- Managing Organizations

Harvard Business Review- 6 Signs Your Corporate Culture is a Liability

Robert Hogan Ph.D.- Values and Organizational Culture

Keith Dunbar, Ph.D.- Purposeful Culture