Three suggested links for busy professionals:

Book Review: Outliers:

For a thoughtful review of Malcolm Gladwell’s, Outliers, check out Wally Bock’s recent post at Three Star Leadership.  This latest effort from Gladwell, the author of Blink and The Tipping Point challenges our thinking about success and how it comes about.  Until this review, I was on the fence about investing in this one and once again, Wally has influenced how I spend my book allowance.

While cautioning that Outliers is not one of those “step by step” success books, he hooked me with the following: “If you’re looking for a book that will challenge some of your thinking about what goes into success, this is a worthwhile read. If you’re seeking fresh ways to think about how success happens in your life, the lives of your loved ones and friends, and the lives of people you work with, this will be a book that you’ll like.”

Magazine Article: Career Growth and the Product Manager

OK, full disclosure: I’m plugging my own article here.  Regular readers of my blog are familiar with my perspective on the value of product managers in organizations. They have a tough, sometimes thankless job, with responsibility for a lot and authority for little.

The great professionals at Pragmatic Marketing encouraged me to expand several of my earlier posts on the career challenges and opportunities for the product manager.  I offer my perspectives on why the best product managers are well suited for senior leadership (and how to get there) in the latest issue of The Pragmatic Marketer.

I’m honored to be included in their publication and encourage you to take a look at this issue.  In addition to a number of additional (great) articles on product management, the Winning in a Down Economy piece by Phil Myers, co-author of Tuned In is a must-read for every professional.

Podcast Summary: Leading at the Edge: Leadership Lessons of Shackleton’s Antarctic Expedition

For those looking to absorb the essence of books in small sound bites, podcasts are a great tool. Matthew Scott, a successful coach, trainer, speaker and entrepreneur offers up the top 10 leadership lessons from Shackleton’s famous expedition, in a quick and engaging audio summary of this book by Dennis Perkins.  The format is great for listening in the car, on the treadmill or on the airplane.  Matthew’s summary is time well spent.