What's on Fred Smith's nightstand?
In recent campaign speeches and events, the Republican gubernatorial
candidate has cited a number of books from the worlds of Christianity,
sports and business:
"The Call"
by Os Guinness
The Book: The descendant of a famous Irish brewer,
Guinness is a best-selling author who writes about self-fulfillment and
how the purpose-driven life meets God's plan.
Smith's Review: On the stump, he cites Guinness'
distinction between "dreamers of the night" and "dreamers of the day."
Those who wake up from their dreams find that "all is vanity," he says.
"Dreamers of the day are dangerous people because they dream with their
eyes open."
"Michigan State Multiple Offense"
by Clarence "Biggie" Munn
The Book: The noted college football coach at
Michigan State University from 1947 to 1953, Munn outlined his formula
for winning and his coaching style in this book after he retired.
Smith's Review: Smith cites an aphorism from the
book regularly on the campaign trail: "The difference between good and
great is a little extra effort." His autobiography, "A Little Extra Effort," and his campaign song, "From Good to Great," also reference it.
"From Good to Great"
by Jim Collins
The Book: A business professor and a team of
researchers combed over the results of more than 1,400 companies to
find out how some of them made substantial improvement.
Smith's Review: In his autobiography, Smith says
that Collins' writings "fit well with my own philosophy." He argues
that organizations often avoid doing what it takes to be better:
Discipline, extra effort and intense commitment.
The article above was posted at the Under the Dome blog in the News & Observer and can be found online here.