What is the Most Influential Book?

I have read more books about entrepreneurship than I could possible even count. But a very few stand out for me. There are some that have stood out because they were inspirational, while others provided very useful with important how-to’s. A few even made me laugh (sometimes due to the author’s intent…).
growing pains.jpgBut one book has stood the test of time as being the most influential book for me first as an entrepreneur, and more recently as a teacher of entrepreneurship. Growing Pains, by Eric Flamholtz, helped me find my way through an incredibly challenging time of rapid growth in our business. It has also changed the way I think about teaching entrepreneurship. I no longer think of what we do in Entrepreneurship education as helping people start businesses, but rather helping them start and grow sustainable businesses.
We have the pleasure and honor of having Professor Flamholtz here at Belmont today. I look forward to sharing new insights on managing growth with all of you from his lecture.
What is the most influential book for your entrepreneurial career?