In fact, we would recommend anything written by Peter Drucker (who is a wonderful thinker). Drucker is somebody who exemplifies the rational thinker. With his high degree of practical intelligence, he offers astute observations for any businessperson on the big picture of business as it moves into the 21st century.

Buy this book on Amazon.com.

Geoffrey Moore talks about how to introduce a discontinuous innovation into your market. By discontinuous innovation, we mean a radical innovation that defies the existing structure of a current industry. Although written for the high tech market, it has great applicability to other industries as well. Definitely worth the read.

Buy this book on Amazon.com.

Gladwell is a researcher who explains how major changes in our society and business world can take root quickly and pervasively. Ideas, behavior, messages, and products, he argues, often spread like outbreaks or infectious disease. He explains how a single event can often "tip" an idea into the mainstream. This is a very interesting book. Sometimes the best business books are not written about or for the business world. The Tipping Point is such an example.

Buy this book on Amazon.com.

Hanan argues that the salespeople of the future will all have to sell on bottom-line results and not just relationships. He explains why a sales force must learn to sell "business value" first and foremost. Lots of good ideas here.

Buy this book on Barnes & Noble.com.

Collins is another author who we think demonstrates great practical intelligence. In fact, we would recommend anything written by him. You will often see his articles in Inc. magazine. For now, Built to Last is a research-based approach to examining larger organizations that have endured over many decades to dominate their industries. He examines the major factors that have driven and sustained this growth. Jim Collins is not a "dot commer", but one who focuses on sustainability versus quick and rapid growth. For this reason alone, it is worth the read.

Buy this book on Amazon.com.