BOOKSHELF

Eye on the Prize

In the high-end, it's easy to think about the beauty, style, and elegance of the product and focus on the trappings of the luxe life. But it's not always quite as easy to stay savvy on the nuts and bolts of business. The following is a rundown of a few of the must-read business classics that will help keep you focused on the factors that will keep you on top.

HOW TO WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE

Dale Carnegie's guidebook was a hit when published in 1936 and its lessons ring true now as well. Some that may particularly resonate with the optical retail world: Fundamental techniques in handling people include giving honest, sincere appreciation and getting people to say yes.

Takeaway tip: "Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language."

THE LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE

Leadership is the focus of this work by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner. By appealing to the mind, heart, and spirit, this guide to working with teams shows the differences between leaders and managers.

Takeaway tip: "Leadership is an observable, learnable set of practices. Those with the desire and persistence to lead can substantially improve their abilities to do so.

GOOD TO GREAT

Jim Collins asked the question, "Can a good company become a great company and if so, how?" Zeroing in on 11 companies that have performed through thick and thin, he shows several distinct behavioral patterns that marked winners.

Takeaway tip: "As a company grows and becomes more complex it begins to trip over its own success… What was once great fun becomes an unwieldy ball of disorganized stuff."

THE SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE

Author Stephen R. Covey provides advice and anecdotes that show fresh approaches for solving professional and personal problems. His habits include: Be Pro-Active; Begin With an End in Mind; Put First Things First; Think Win/Win; Seek First to Understand.

Takeaway tip: "We must look at the lens through which we see the world, as well as at the world we see, and the lens itself shapes how we interpret the world.