Six Books, One Month: My June Reading List and Lessons Learned

6/26/2025

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

By William Ballard

Let’s set the scene: It’s June. The Oklahoma sun is blazing, my coffee is warm, and the smell of the pages of new books fills the air. This month, I set out on a reading marathon (as I do most months)—six books, each promising to sharpen my edge as a business coach, marketing consultant, and, yes, a “Systematic Storyteller.”

Was it overkill? Maybe. But as Dr. John C. Maxwell says, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” If I’m going to help others grow, I’d better be in the gym myself—at least the mental gym.

Why read six books in a month? For starters, leaders are readers. There’s no shortcut to wisdom, but reading is about as close as it gets. Each book I devoured this month offered a new angle on leadership, productivity, or personal growth. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let’s dive into my June reading list—the titles, the takeaways, and a few laughs along the way.

The Charismatic Leader: 21 Skills to Connect With People
– The Art of Magnetic Influence

If you’ve ever wondered why some leaders walk into a room and instantly command attention, look no further than Dr. John C. Maxwell’s The Charismatic Leader: 21 Skills to Connect With People (AFF). This book isn’t just a masterclass in communication; it’s a blueprint for human connection both in person and the digital age.

Maxwell’s central thesis is simple yet profound: Charisma isn’t some mystical trait you’re born with. It’s a skill set—a toolkit you can build, sharpen, and wield. “People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude,” Maxwell writes, and I can personally attest—my dogs listens better when I ask with a smile.

One of my favorite skills from the book is the art of being present. In a world of constant notifications, simply locking eyes and listening is a revolutionary act. Maxwell offers practical steps for becoming more approachable, empathetic, and memorable. As you’ll see, connecting with people is a thread that runs through all great leadership.

The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader
– Building Leadership DNA

Sticking with the Maxwell theme (what can I say, I’m a fan), The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader (AFF) is like a leadership buffet—take what you need, go back for seconds, and don’t skip dessert. This book distills leadership down to core traits: character, charisma, commitment, communication, and much more.

What’s brilliant is how Maxwell blends wisdom with action. For example, on character, he writes, “Talent is a gift, but character is a choice.” Ouch. That one stings, especially when you remember the time you “forgot” to send that follow-up email. Maxwell’s point: Leadership starts with who you are, not just what you do.

Each quality comes with practical exercises. Want to improve your self-discipline? Start by keeping small promises to yourself. Want to boost your charisma? Focus on others, not yourself. And of course, the book delivers plenty of those signature Maxwell-isms—short, punchy, and perfect for your next staff meeting.

The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace
– Unlocking Employee Motivation

Let’s pivot from the head to the heart. Gary Chapman and Paul White’s The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace (AFF) is a game-changer for anyone managing a team—or just trying to avoid the dreaded “employee disengagement” epidemic.

Based on Chapman’s famous “5 love languages,” this book examines how people perceive and value themselves at work. Spoiler alert: Not everyone wants a coffee mug with the company logo. Some crave quality time, others want acts of service, and a few actually appreciate those corny certificates.

“People don’t leave jobs; they leave managers who don’t appreciate them,” Chapman writes. In my consulting work, I see this every day. A sincere “thank you” or a handwritten note can do more for morale than a 5% raise (okay, maybe not for everyone, but you get the idea). Implementing these languages has transformed my approach with coaching and consulting clients, and it can revolutionize your team culture, too.

The 80/20 Principle: Achieve More With Less
– Productivity’s Magic Formula

Now, let’s talk about the book that made me rethink my to-do list (and my grocery list, and my sock drawer): Richard Koch’s The 80/20 Principle: Achieve More With Less (AFF). If you’re a business owner, coach, or just a productivity junkie, this book deserves a permanent spot on your book shelf.

Koch’s premise is as elegant as it is ruthless: 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. Want to grow your business? Figure out which clients, products, or tasks drive the biggest impact, and double down. The rest? Delegate, automate, or (gulp) cut.

Here’s a killer quote: “Most things don’t matter. But the few that do, matter enormously.” That is both liberating and terrifying. I spent an afternoon ruthlessly slashing non-essential meetings from my calendar. Miraculously, the world didn’t end. Bruce Lee said it best, “It’s not the daily increase, but the decrease. Hack away at the unessential.”

Koch’s book isn’t just for workaholics. It’s about living smarter, not harder. As I read, I saw opportunities everywhere to simplify, focus, and create space for what truly matters. Wait until next week when I share the five rules of decision making using the 80/20 Principle.

Developing the Leader Within You 2.0
– Level Up Your Inner Game

No June reading binge would be complete without another Maxwell classic: Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 (AFF). This updated edition takes the original’s timeless wisdom and turbocharges it for today’s fast-paced world.

Leadership, as Maxwell reminds us, isn’t a job title—it’s a mindset. “You must first be who you really are, then do what you really ought to do, in order to have what you really want.” Translation: Stop waiting for permission. Start leading from wherever you are.

The book covers everything from vision casting to problem-solving. My favorite chapter? Self-discipline. Maxwell argues that the first person you must lead is yourself. For all the aspiring leaders out there, this is the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed.

Self-reflection exercises, real-world stories, and Maxwell’s trademark encouragement make this book a must-read for anyone serious about leadership and personal growth.

The Book of Numbers
– Ancient Wisdom for Modern Problems

You might be thinking, “Wait, The Book of Numbers? Isn’t that… the Old Testament?”

Yes, and trust me, it’s not just about census data and wandering in the desert. This ancient text is a treasure trove of leadership lessons, resilience, and, surprisingly, project management tips (In fact, Moses could have written a killer piece on delegation and empowerment).

The Israelites faced setbacks, mutinies, and the world’s worst travel itinerary. Yet, through it all, leaders like Moses and Joshua model courage, faith, and the importance of listening to your team, even when they’re grumbling about lunch.

One passage that struck me: “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water.’” Sometimes, leadership isn’t about brute force. It’s about knowing when to speak, not just act.

The Book of Numbers reminded me that challenges aren’t obstacles—they’re opportunities for growth and transformation. Consider reading my latest article: The SWOT Analysis of Canaan: Giants, Grapes, and Grasshoppers -- A Biblical Blueprint for Courage.

Connecting the Dots
– How These Books Create a Leadership Symphony

You might wonder how such a diverse lineup—modern leadership manuals, workplace psychology, productivity guides, and a biblical epic—fits together. The answer? Each book is a different instrument, but together they create a powerful symphony.

From Dr. John C. Maxwell, I learned the why and how of leadership—the DNA that separates ordinary managers from extraordinary visionaries. Chapman and White showed me the heart of leadership: appreciation. Koch gave me the strategy—focus on the vital few. And the Book of Numbers? That’s the soul—perseverance, faith, and leading through adversity.

Reading these books back-to-back was no accident. Each one reinforced the others, and together they deepened my understanding of what it means to lead, serve, and grow.

Favorite Quotes From a Month of Reading

What’s a good book without a few lines that stick with you like Oklahoma red clay on your boots? Here are some of my favorites:

Dr. John C. Maxwell, The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader: “Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.”
Dr. Gary Chapman, The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace: “What is meaningful to one person may not be meaningful to another. Appreciation must be individualized and authentic.”
Richard Koch, The 80/20 Principle: “The few things that work fantastically should be identified, cultivated, nurtured, and multiplied.”

These words now live on sticky notes around my office, gentle reminders to stay focused, grateful, and growth-oriented.

How These Books Changed My Work (and Life)

Reflection time. How did these six books shape my approach as a business coach and “Systematic Storyteller”? Let’s count the ways.

First, I’m more intentional about how I connect—with clients, colleagues, even my own family. Maxwell’s charisma and communication tips have turned awkward Zoom calls into energizing collaborations. Meanwhile, the appreciation languages have transformed my interactions. I now ask, “How do you like to be recognized?” instead of assuming everyone loves public praise (spoiler alert: they don’t).

Koch’s 80/20 principle? It’s now my mantra. I prioritize high-impact activities, delegate the rest, and allocate more time to what truly drives results. Finally, the Book of Numbers has become a source of solace during tough times—reminding me that leadership is a marathon, not a sprint.

Practical Tips: Applying What I Learned (You Can Too!)

Let’s get actionable. Here are five ways you can put these lessons to work—no matter your role or industry:

Audit Your Time: Inspired by Koch, track your activities for a week. Identify the 20% that delivers 80% of your results.
Appreciate Differently: Ask your team, “How do you like to be recognized?” and tailor your appreciation accordingly.
Lead From Within: Use Dr. John C. Maxwell’s “Character First” approach—make small promises to yourself and keep them.
Practice Presence: Put away the phone during conversations. People will notice (and appreciate) your undivided attention.
Embrace Challenges: Remember the Israelites—setbacks are setups for growth. Stay the course!

What’s Next on My Reading List? (And a Challenge For You)

As June wraps up, my reading appetite is only whetted. Next month, I’m eyeing books on leadership, politics, story craft, business traction, The Book of Deuteronomy, and maybe—just maybe—a guilty pleasure thriller.

I challenge you: Pick one of these six books shared in this article, read it, and apply at least one insight. Share it with your team, your family, or even your skeptical neighbor.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Consistent Learning

Six books. One month. Countless lessons. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: Growth doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of intentional, consistent effort—day after day, page after page.

Whether you’re a business owner, a team leader, or just someone hungry for growth, I encourage you to make reading a non-negotiable part of your routine. As Dr. John C. Maxwell asserts, “You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily.” Why not start with a good book?

Until next time—keep reading, keep leading, and never stop learning.

William Ballard is the founder and CEO of William Ballard & Associates, LLC. He is a serial entrepreneur and has built a successful career leading and growing organizations based, in large part, on his ability to ask great questions, speak with candor, and identify talented people with whom to collaborate.

It’s from this foundation that William helps aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and ministry leaders navigate organizational, industry, and societal changes to move their organizations closer towards their vision.

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