5 good reads for December

New York--Each month, National Jeweler sifts through the new releases on online book discussion site Goodreads to find four that could be beneficial for business owners and leaders.

This month’s selections include how to take on a “do nothing” leadership style, how to utilize today’s marketing and public relations to reach the right audience and boost sales, a book that discusses the type of person that starts a business and a look at what drives us as human beings.

An editor’s pick for a few fun nights of reading is included at No. 5.

1. Do Nothing!: How to Stop Overmanaging and Become a Great Leader
J. Keith Murninghan

Despite what many leaders and business owners may think, Murninghan argues that not only is the “do nothing” method of leadership possible but also is more effective than doing too much. Great leaders should do nothing, except think, make key decisions, help others do their jobs better, and add some organizational control to make sure results turn out OK.

2. The Illusions of Entrepreneurship: The Costly Myths That Entrepreneurs, Investors, and Policy Makers Live By
Scott Shane 

The author, a leading expert in entrepreneurial activity in the United States, uses real data drawn from extensive research to provide information about who becomes an entrepreneur and why; how businesses are started; and the factors that are indicative of both success and failure.

3. The New Rules of Marketing & PR: How to Use Social Media, Online Video, Mobile Applications, Blogs, News Releases, & Viral Marketing to Reach Buyers Directly
David Meerman Scott

This book offers a step-by-step guide on how to leverage modern marketing and PR to communicate with buyers directly, raise visibility and increase sales, including how small businesses can use web-based content to make sure they’re getting the right information to the right audience.

4. Me, Myself, and Us: The Science of Personality and the Art of Well-Being
Brian Little

Personality psychologist Brian Little examines the new findings in personality science, what they mean for general readers and how it explains the behavior of both ourselves and others, such as whether or not our personalities are set by age 30 and if some individuals are “hard-wired for happiness.”

5. Editor’s Pick: Wild
Cheryl Strayed 

After her mother died, with her family scattered to the wind and her own marriage falling apart, Strayed made a decision that