Ritz Picks
David Ritz has a large collection of books in his library that have guided him successfully for over 30 years in the management business. Periodically David will give a brief book review of some of his favorites. David just read Jane Goodall’s book, Hope, so he will start with that one and then review some of the classics!
Hope
By Jane Goodall
David Ritz has been a long time fan of Jane Goodall. David met Jane several years ago and had an opportunity to talk about hope.
David Ritz is a firm believer in Jane’s statement that “Hope is contagious. It is a crucial survival skill.” Though David Ritz has not seen the same life long changes that Jane has, it is clear that being hopeful can sometimes be difficult. Having seen the destruction of natural habitat for many species and witnessed climate change first hand for over 90 years, Jane is somehow still hopeful.
David explains that hope takes action - a willingness to make change. It is not passive. David Ritz and Jane both agree that difficulties and danger exist…It is how one responds to these things that is important. There is a lot of darkness, but our actions create light.
To learn more about the importance of Hope, please read Jane’s book called Hope. It is very uplifting and a fun read.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
By Daniel Goleman
Daniel Goleman’s book “Emotional Intelligence,” published in 1995, revolutionized the understanding of human intelligence by introducing the concept of emotional intelligence (EQ). David Ritz created one of his most popular Leadership Courses based on Goleman’s book. In the book Goldman argues that traditional measures of intelligence, such as IQ, do not fully capture an individual’s potential for success and well-being. Instead, emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in how we navigate our lives, relationships, and careers.
Ritz notes that the book states that emotions are fundamental to human experience and decision-making. They are not merely obstacles to rational thought; rather, they serve essential functions that guide our actions. For instance, emotions like anger can energize us to confront challenges, while love fosters cooperation and contentment. Understanding this interplay between emotions and rationality is vital for personal development.
The book delves into the biology and neurology behind emotions. Goleman explains that humans possess two distinct cognitive systems: the emotional mind (primarily governed by the limbic system) and the rational mind (centered in the neocortex). The amygdala acts as the emotional center, often triggering immediate responses before logical assessment can occur. This phenomenon is known as “emotional hijacking,” where strong feelings can override rational thought processes.
Components of Emotional Intelligence Goleman identifies five key components of emotional intelligence:
Self-Awareness: Recognizing one’s own emotions and their impact on thoughts and behavior.
Self-Regulation: The ability to manage one’s emotions effectively.
Motivation: Harnessing emotions to pursue goals with energy and persistence.
Empathy: Understanding and responding to the emotions of others.
Social Skills: Building relationships and navigating social complexities.
These components are essential for effective leadership, teamwork, and personal fulfillment.
David Ritz was intrigued by the Research cited in Goleman’s work which suggests that emotional intelligence is a better predictor of success than academic intelligence alone. Studies have shown that individuals with high EQ tend to perform better in their careers, maintain healthier relationships, and experience greater overall satisfaction in life compared to those with high IQ but low EQ.
Conclusion In summary, Daniel Goleman’s “Emotional Intelligence” highlights the significance of understanding and managing our emotions as a pathway to achieving personal success and improving interpersonal relationships. David Ritz believes that by developing emotional intelligence skills, individuals can enhance their decision-making abilities, and foster better communication making them a better leader.
"Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't"
By Jim Collins
This is one of the most meaningful books that David Ritz has read. David used this book as a guide to transform his organization from good to great. The book explores what differentiates companies that achieve enduring greatness from those that do not. Based on extensive research, Collins and his team identified several key concepts that contribute to a company's transformation from being good to becoming truly great. Here’s a summary of the main ideas in the book:
### Key Concepts:
1. **Level 5 Leadership**:
- Great companies have leaders who demonstrate a combination of personal humility and professional will. They are determined and focused on the success of the company, rather than on their own fame or ego. David Ritz celebrated his team’s perseverance and resilience.
2. **First Who, Then What**:
- Before determining the vision or strategy, successful companies prioritize getting the right people on board. This involves recruiting the right talent, placing them in the right positions, and then defining the direction together. David Ritz spent over a year getting the right people on the bus and in the right seat.
3. **Confront the Brutal Facts**:
- Great companies face the reality of their situations, no matter how harsh. By confronting the facts, leaders create a culture of honesty and transparency that drives improvement.
4. **The Hedgehog Concept**:
- This concept involves focusing on what the company can be the best at, what drives its economic engine, and what it is deeply passionate about. The intersection of these three dimensions forms the basis of a company’s strategy.
5. **A Culture of Discipline**:
- Great companies foster a disciplined culture, where individuals are responsible, motivated, and aligned with the company’s goals. This leads to consistent execution of the strategy without the need for bureaucratic controls. “Transforming an entire organization takes a great deal of discipline from the board of directors, thru the leadership team to the organization as a whole.” stated David Ritz
6. **Technology Accelerators**:
- Technology is not the primary means of making the leap to greatness. Instead, it is a tool that accelerates progress once the company knows its Hedgehog Concept. Great companies use technology to enhance their existing strengths rather than chase every new trend.
7. **The Flywheel Effect**:
- Sustainable growth results from a continuous process of gradual improvement. Success is built on consistent efforts that compound over time, leading to breakthroughs rather than dramatic transformations.
### Conclusion:
"Good to Great" emphasizes that achieving greatness requires a combination of disciplined people, disciplined thought, and disciplined action. The principles outlined in the book are supported by empirical data and real-world examples, making it a valuable resource for leaders seeking to elevate their organizations from mediocrity to excellence. David Ritz suggests that greatness is not just a function of having the right idea but also about having the right people and the right culture in place.
The One Minute Manager
By Ken Blanchard
David Ritz has followed the advice from Ken Blanchard for several decades. David first read this book in the 1980’s as a new Asstant City Manager. The simple, yet important, message of spending supervisory time actually supervising, was a surprise to many!
David Ritz followed Ken’s ideas of setting goals, praising employees and gently correcting their behavior as soon as possible and in as little as one minute of time. Investing in an employee’s development and training was another important take away from the book. You have to show you care about an employee, and spending your time and money on training is a great start.
The book imparts this knowledge in a fun and light manner by concentrating on a fictious “One Minute Manager”. Communication between the manager and employee is critical to success. This includes communicating the goals - both at time they are set and then continuously in one minute segments, montoring the activities of your staff and catching them doing things right, and of course correcting them occasionally when needed.
David Ritz has followed these steps, particularly double checking to make sure he, as supervisor, has clearly identified the goals and provided all of the resources needed for the job. You cannot expect the employee to perform well if the goal is not clear or they do not have the necessary tools.
The New One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard is the latest rendition of this book and it hghly recommended for new managers as well as seasoned leaders who may need a reminder of the importance of continued, quick and simple communication techniques.
A LAND REMEMERED
By Patrick D. Smith
David Ritz read “A Land Remembered" many years ago and has recommended it to his family and friends ever since. The book.is an evocative and beautifully crafted novel that delves into the rich history of Florida through the lives of the MacIvey family. Written by Patrick D. Smith and published in 1984, this work of fiction not only tells a compelling family saga but also serves as a love letter to the Florida landscape as it underwent profound transformations from the 19th century onward.
The story unfolds through three generations of the MacIvey family, beginning with Tobias MacIvey, a tenacious pioneer who navigates the challenges of settling in the wild, untamed wilderness of Florida. David Ritz uses this novel to describe the importance of perseverance, resiliency and tenacity. The author’s vivid descriptions bring to life the flora and fauna of the region, painting a picture of a land filled with both beauty and hardship. The narrative is rich with detail, immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, and emotions experienced by those who lived in this evocative setting.
At its core, "A Land Remembered" is about resilience, family, and the ever-changing relationship between humans and nature. As Tobias works to establish his orange grove, the story explores themes of survival against adversity, the sacrifices made for future generations, and the impact of progress on the natural world. As the narratives shift from Tobias to his son Zephyr and eventually to his granddaughter, their individual experiences highlight how the family evolves while grappling with the impacts of modernity.
David Ritz enjoyed the rich character development - with characters that feel authentic and relatable, capturing their dreams, fears, and aspirations. Tobias, with his indomitable spirit, stands as a testament to the perseverance of early settlers in the face of tremendous challenges. Emma, his devoted wife, provides an emotional anchor, while their son Zephyr grapples with the legacies of the past and the weight of expectations.
As an environmentalist, David Ritz was impressed with the broader themes of environmental consciousness. Through the MacIveys’ struggle to maintain their connection to the land amid the encroachment of urbanization and development, Smith invites readers to reflect on the importance of preserving the natural world. This theme resonates strongly in today’s context, making the novel not only a historical account but also a call to honor and protect our environment.
In conclusion, "A Land Remembered" is a masterful exploration of Florida’s past and the enduring connections we have with the land and each other. David Ritz enjoyed Patrick D. Smith’s lyrical writing and profound insights which make this novel a must-read for anyone interested in family sagas, environmental issues, or the rich tapestry of American history.
David Ritz accepting an award on behalf of his community.
David Ritz in Washington DC talking with legislators.
David Ritz, second from left, and the Florida Keys Electric Co-op Board return over $3.1 million in profits back to their members.