Personal Development and Leadership Books for the Vortex Nation

Reading is fundamental. Call it an axiom, adage, or aphorism, the phrase itself is fundamental. That’s why places like organizations from military academies to learning institutions so often have a recommended reading list of leadership and personal development books.

Corporations and business entities do as well, but I’ve never seen one embrace the concept more thoroughly than Vortex Optics. And I’m pretty sure that’s one of the key building blocks not only to their success, but to the loyalty and remarkable interactivity of the “Vortex Nation.”

“We don’t assign reading or require book clubs. We just believe the right book, at the right time, can light a spark. And around here, we’d rather inspire than insist.” ~ Vortex CEO Joe Hamilton

A Reading List for Success

I’m most familiar with the ones associated with the Profession of Arms. The most obvious is probably the Commandant’s Reading List, but there’s also the USMA (West Point) Reading List, the CNO’s Reading List, and one at The Citadel, not to mention the books recommended by Gen. Mattis. Hell, even the daughter from the Gilmore Girls had a list.

What surprised me in my recent visit to Vortex HQ in Barneveld, Wisconsin (besides the fact that “corn sweat” really is a thing) wasn’t that they had recommended reading for their employees; it was how seriously Vortex embraces the notion, and how emblematic of their company’s ethos their list really is.

One of several “little libraries” scattered throughout the Vortex Optics facility in Barneveld, WI. Books are free for the taking, by employees and members of the public alike, and the shelves are frequently restocked.

This isn’t just a list of business bestsellers. It’s a reflection of the Vortex ethos, centered on effective servant leadership, team dynamics, recognition of self-worth, and the subordination of ego. Perhaps most importantly, it’s about the notion that giving is as good or better for the giver than the givee.

The implementation of the idea was apparently a bit of a joint effort, but was spearheaded from the top (with suggestions welcomed).

Asked how the little library concept started, Vortex CEO Joe Hamilton explained,

“Some of the most meaningful shifts in how we lead and serve have come from the pages of a good book. My assistant, Denise, knew that, and one day she pitched the idea of setting up little libraries around Vortex. It was simple, thoughtful, and spot on. Our facilities team built them, Denise keeps them filled, and now they’re free for anyone: employees, visitors, whoever. We don’t assign reading or require book clubs. We just believe the right book, at the right time, can light a spark. And around here, we’d rather inspire than insist.”

Little Libraries Everywhere

They take this concept so seriously that there are little “libraries” scattered all through their entire sprawling facility (eight in total, I believe). You can’t go very far without passing one, no matter where you are in the place, and all the books are free for the taking. Any employee can take any book they’d like at any time, and if I understood them correctly, the same goes for members of the public who visit.

Now, what makes this even more striking (and should be kept in mind) is that Vortex is an employee-owned business. That means, at least in theory, that whatever is representative of the company is by definition representative of its employees. Obviously, the extent of this will vary, and it won’t always be true (even the nicest pool could get a turd floating in it), but I observed nothing during my visit that didn’t support this part of the company’s culture.

Gen. James Mattis, USMC retired (shown here against a backdrop of books) is known for his belief that reading is extremely important, particularly for leaders or would-be leaders. As he has said before, "Thanks to my reading, I have never been caught flat-footed by any situation, never at a loss for how any problem has been addressed (successfully or unsuccessfully) before. It doesn't give me all the answers, but it lights what is often a dark path ahead. — Gen. Mattis is the epitome of the Soldier-Scholar. There’s a reason he was called the “Warrior Monk.” And while the leader books on this list might not be the sort he’d recommend you read before invading a country, you can be sure the *reasons* he believes you should do so remain valid and on point – whether you’re answering customer service calls or stacking bodies.

Personal Development and Leadership Books Suggested by Vortex

Below, you’ll find a rundown of all the books I saw in their “little libraries.” They didn’t appear to be in any particular order on the shelves, but I’ve organized them loosely here to make the list easier to digest.

Management Principles and Leadership Books

The Effective Executive

by Peter F. Drucker

FInd it on Amazon.

Built to Last

by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras

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