For some reason, I have some difficulty sitting on the weekend and writing a few thoughts. I wrote last on Labor Day weekend thinking about work. I’m still developing ideas about why we work, how we work, the impact of automation and AI on work, how we help people work.

I have an annual “job” that lasts from the end of July until mid-October. It normally keeps me very busy. This was the 35th year that I’ve assigned referees to high school soccer games in central western Ohio. I am contracted by 42 high schools. For 31 of those years, I also assigned referees to youth games and was referee director for two youth tournaments. It’s a service that has helped thousands of kids. It has also become increasingly difficult over the past 5 years or so as the number of people who drop out exceeds the number of new people.

In the midst of that work, I traveled to Folsom, CA to attend the Inductive Automation Ignition Community Conference. That was an opportunity to chat informally with many people who actually use their software products. I learned how the software helps many people do their jobs more effectively. 

I also went to Dallas to Honeywell Connect, the user conference of Honeywell Connected Enterprise, the five-year-old software division of the large enterprise. Same learning—how the products help people.

That is the best product development, as I learned early in my career. Think about how your product or service helps people.

Here are some recent books I’ve read and recommend.

I don’t know about you, but I too often have a tendency to talk too much. As Yogi Berra was reputed to say, “You can hear a lot just by listening.” You can’t learn anything talking. You learn much by listening.  I used to have a little label stuck to my phone—STFU. I need to do that again!

I love Taleb’s writing. I appreciate his sense of humor. This book contains aphorisms. You can read it from front to back. Best, though, is to pick it up, randomly open to a page, read a few aphorisms, then think. And Taleb provides much to think about.

Another book of aphorisms from the co-founder of Wired and author of several thought-provoking books (I like Out of Control). Similar advice as Taleb’s book.

Seth Godin’s books could fill your bookshelf. This one is top of the list. Similar to the others, but these are like a series of blog posts. A lot of wisdom packed into a small package. Read it twice—at least.

My sponsor is Inductive Automation. Check out their flagship product Ignition here.

You can find my business and technology blog The Manufacturing Connection here.

You can find my personal development blog Faith Venture here.

Gary