Some of the interns over at JP Morgan asked head honcho Jamie Dimon for a list of books he recommends. Which in and of itself, is a gritty move and a good tip for entry-level employees to keep in mind.
No "Harry Potter" here. Dimon's list is a combination of business and history books. Some highlights:
1. "Double Your Profits: In Six Months or Less" by Bob Fifer. Simply put, increase profits by cutting costs -- by getting rid of dispensable management, paying invoices later and keeping an eye on expenses at the top. Its detractors, OK, some some reviewers on Amazon point out that the book seems to lack a concern for human resources, that is, people. If Dimon's reading this, headcount-trimming may not be something he fastidiously avoids.
2. "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln" by Doris Kearns Goodwin. The book examines the leadership of Lincoln, and his understanding of human behavior. Lincoln was successful because he listened with attentiveness to public opinion and got along with different temperaments and personalities. That's probably how Dimon scored early with the Obama Administration.
3. "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared Diamond. Why did some civilizations progress to hegemony, while some remained backward? The answer: Geography, demography and ecological happenstance, according to the book. Probably why JPMorgan is seen as one of the healthiest banks on the street.
Other titles on Dimon's list include "The World is Flat" by Thomas Friedman, "The Intelligent Investor" by Benjamin Graham and "Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant" by Ulysses Grant.
See the full list here.
Related: Top 10 Career Tips from Jamie Dimon
