What the movers and shakers are reading
Belinda Luk Kwai-sim, senior vice-president, pensions and group business, Sun Life Hong Kong
I like to read thought-provoking books with new ideas and ways of viewing the world, which may possibly be applied in the workplace. Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point and Blink both fall into that category. They are easy to understand, but contain the essence of a lot of university research into aspects of human psychology. The first illustrates and explains how apparently small or insignificant things can actually make a major difference to the world around us. I found it so interesting that I finished it within a day, which is unusual for me.
The second shows how people think without really thinking. It suggests we should be prepared to put more trust in instinctive impressions and may even be able to train our 'blink' abilities to be more accurate, which is a fascinating concept.
Another general business book I dip into at regular intervals is How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. I have one copy in the office and one at home beside my bed for ready reference. As someone in charge of roughly 140 people, who has to know how to lead and train others effectively, it is really great. Carnegie's examples and general advice have taught me the importance of thinking twice and have shown me how to get a point of view across without the risk of insulting anyone.
I tend to have several books 'on the go' at the same time to suit different moods. Usually these include an established favourite such as Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, where I might flick through a chapter or two as a reminder, and a couple of newer works, probably with a financial theme.