I can’t take it anymore. I have a dirty little secret. And I have to come clean.
I hate business books.
“But Aimee,” you say. “This is your 36th interesting and insightful article for Reman U! How can you possibly hate business books?”
First, it’s creepy that you know exactly how many articles I’ve written. I mean, awesome compliment, but totally creepy.
Second, most business books seem self-congratulating and a healthy sense of self-esteem is a huge turnoff.
And, finally, the typical business book has maybe 5 pages of actually useful, actionable information. I can save myself 5 hours and $15 by just skimming my LinkedIn feed. (You’re reading this article, so you totally get what I mean.)
So, if I’m going to read a business book it has to be hidden in a non-business book package. Kind of like the way you have to get creative to hide vegetables in kids’ foods.
Enter: “Bossypants” by Tina Fey.
At first glance, it looks like a regular ol’ memoir about a working class person hustling her way to success in entertainment. Kind of like a Drake song with better prose. And, yeah, that’s the gist of “Bossypants,” but it’s a lot more than that. It’s about overcoming insecurity and kicking a$s in the male-dominated comedy business, all while dishing out some hard truth on leadership, growing a career, and work-life balance.
I loved every minute of it. I mean, with little bits-o-knowledge like these, what’s not to love?
On Going for It:

“You can’t be that kid standing at the top of the waterslide, overthinking it. You have to go down the chute.”

On Criticism:

“So, my unsolicited advice to women in the workplace is this. When faced with sexism, or ageism, or lookism, or even really aggressive Buddhism, ask yourself the following question: “Is this person in between me and what I want to do?” If the answer is no, ignore it and move on. Your energy is better used doing your work and outpacing people that way. Then, when you’re in charge, don’t hire the people who were jerky to you.”

On Good Bosses:

“In most cases being a good boss means hiring talented people and then getting out of their way.”

On Teamwork:

“Whatever the problem, be part of the solution. Don’t just sit around raising questions and pointing out obstacles. We’ve all worked with that person. That person is a drag.”

On Women in the Workplace:

“If you are a woman and you bought this book for practical tips on how to make it in a male-dominated workplace, here they are. No pigtails, no tube tops. Cry sparingly. (Some people say “Never let them see you cry.” I say, if you’re so mad you could just cry, then cry. It terrifies everyone.)”

 
“Hey,” you say. “I am a dude. I also do not work in comedy. I also do not cry, I work out. What does any of this have to do with me?”
Shhhh, the lady is talking now. (Totally kidding; don’t send me hate mail.) It’s no secret that, like comedy, the automotive industry is a male-dominated one. So, part of the appeal of this book was that, yes, it was entertaining, but it also contained pieces of information that were easily identifiable and applicable to my situation as a woman in this industry.
And, like “Bossypants,” sometimes a book doesn’t have to come from the business section of your local bookstore to find your ah-ha moment – whether it’s personal or professional.
Elon Musk recommends everyone read Walter Isaacson’s “Benjamin Franklin: An American Life.” Bill Gates recommends “What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions” by Randall Munroe (which is also entertaining and excellent, by the way). And Steve Jobs recommended Herman Melville’s classic “Moby Dick.” Hell, Richard Branson even sited “50 Shades of Gray” as his inspiration for launching ebooks on Virgin Atlantic flights.
What would you add to this list? Has a non-business book helped influence your personal or professional life, outlook, or experience? I’d love to hear what you’d add.

Aimee has a dirty little secret – she hates business books. But even so, she finds a way to glean business insight elsewhere. What non-business books have helped influence your personal or professional life? Comment below or email her directly!