5 Children’s Books All CEOs Need To Read to Boost Their Comms IQ

There are plenty of books out there aimed at improving executive communication skills. But do you really need to read, or listen to, a 2-300-page/10-hour tome to learn the fundamentals of good communication? Or can you perhaps find many of the same lessons in, well, children’s books?

Well, yes and no. Certainly How to Win Friends and Influence People offers a deeper dive into the art of persuasion than The Giving Tree. And Crucial Conversations is going to give you more “tools for talking when stakes are high,” as the book’s subtitle has it, than Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

And yet, because of their simplicity of message and harmony of words and pictures, children’s books can reach deeper into our psyche than, say, HBR’s 10 Must Reads on Communication (no shade on that worthy volume, it should be noted).

With that in mind, here are five books that you can breeze through to boost your executive communication chops before the ice melts in your mojito. Think of these as an amuse bouche prior to an entrée of a more filling follow-up read. Don’t worry, no one will think any less of you for reading Dr. Seuss instead of Dale Carnegie or, for that matter, the latest bestseller from Brad Thor or Sophie Kinsella. We promise.

1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Key Lessons: Simplicity and clarity. Beautifully illustrated by Carle, a former graphic designer, this 1969 book’s straightforward narrative is a reminder of the importance of simplicity in communication. And the caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly is an inspirational lesson in the importance of growth and development within teams.

Then Read: Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. Leaders can use the book’s principles to enhance their communication skills, making their messages more clear, engaging, and memorable.

2. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Key Lessons: Emotional intelligence. Everyone knows this one (it was even made into a movie!) about young Max’s journey into the land of the Wild Things and back. For CEOs, the book’s lessons include learning to acknowledge and address the emotional aspects of their communication. It also encourages creative thinking and vision.

Then Read: Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts by Brené Brown. Renowned researcher and emotions expert Brown writes about vulnerability, courage, empathy and shame, providing insights and advice that leaders can use to embrace emotional intelligence and foster open, honest communication.

3. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Key Lessons: Empathy and selflessness. The importance of empathy and selflessness in communication is an underlying theme in Shel Silverstein’s classic. CEOs can use the story’s lesson to prioritize the needs of their teams and communicate with care and support. In addition, the long-term relationship between the tree and the main character highlights the importance of building lasting and meaningful connections through effective communication.

Then Read: Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t by Simon Sinek. Sinek offers lessons in empathetic leadership, active listening, building trust and more.

4. Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss

Key Lessons: Motivational communication. The best-known name in Western children’s lit takes on life’s journey in this story about overcoming obstacles and setbacks. The book’s positive and encouraging message about life’s journey can teach CEOs how to motivate and inspire their teams and communicate resilience and optimism in the face of challenges.

Then Read: Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant. Sandberg and Grant write about acknowledging challenges, normalizing setbacks, embracing adversity and building resilience.

5. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson

Key Lessons: Creativity and problem-solving. By building his own world with a crayon, Harold demonstrates the power of creativity. The book teaches the importance of having a clear vision and taking initiative – essential traits for effective thought leaders.

Then Read: Unleash the Power of Storytelling: Win Hearts, Change Minds, Get Results by Rob Biesenbach. Speechwriter and strategist Rob Biesenbach looks at how CEOs like Howard Schultz, Steve Jobs, Sheryl Sandberg, Blake Mycoskie and Richard Edelman have used storytelling to connect with audiences, convey their vision, and drive business results.

While these might not be a substitute for more substantial works, they’re a good place to (re)start for thought leaders wishing to brush up on their communication skills. And you can pass them along to the next generation of thought leaders.