Blog By Mitchell Leff, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Motivator of Neinstein Plastic Surgery
Team Neinstein’s 2024 Book Review
As the Chief Motivator for our team, one of my greatest passions is sharing the lessons and insights I’ve gained through reading. I believe that learning is a lifelong journey, and the books I read are not just tools for personal growth—they are resources I want to share with my team to help us all grow together.
For me, reading isn’t just a choice—it’s a moral duty as a leader, motivator, and lifelong learner. Elon Musk, one of the most innovative minds of our time, credits much of his success to his passion for reading. From devouring science fiction as a child to immersing himself in physics and engineering, Musk has used books as a foundation to revolutionize industries. His story reminds us that books are a gateway to limitless knowledge, allowing us to stand on the shoulders of giants and build futures once thought impossible.
Like Musk, I believe in the power of compound knowledge. Adding a little wisdom each day accumulates over time, expanding our ability to think, innovate, and solve complex problems. If you want to rise above the ordinary, reading and learning must be as essential as breathing.
Let’s dive into the books that defined Team Neinstein’s 2024
1. Daniel Coyle – The Culture Code
This book is a must-read for anyone looking to build or lead a high-performing team. Coyle explores the elements that create a thriving group culture, from fostering safety and trust to encouraging vulnerability and clarity of purpose. Whether in a workplace, a family, or a community, The Culture Code provides actionable insights to unlock the potential of collective intelligence. It inspired me to rethink how I approach teamwork and collaboration.
2. Stephen M.R. Covey – The Speed of Trust
Trust is the foundation of all successful relationships, and Covey breaks down how it impacts efficiency and outcomes in every aspect of life. His lessons on building, maintaining, and restoring trust are essential for leaders. I’ve applied these principles to my professional and personal relationships, and the results have been transformative.
Trust accelerates progress, reduces friction, and lays the groundwork for sustained success.
3. James Clear – Atomic Habits
This book is a game-changer for anyone looking to achieve their goals through small, consistent actions. Clear explains how tiny habits, compounded over time, lead to extraordinary outcomes. He provides practical advice on building good habits, breaking bad ones, and creating systems that support long-term success. This philosophy aligns perfectly with the idea that progress is built on daily, incremental improvements.
4. Ryan Holiday – Courage Is Calling
Holiday masterfully examines courage as a cardinal virtue and its role in shaping our lives. He demonstrates that courage isn’t always about dramatic acts but often lies in the quiet determination to do the right thing in the face of fear or uncertainty. This book inspired me to embrace challenges and act decisively, even when the path is unclear. Courage is a cornerstone of leadership, and Holiday’s lessons resonate deeply.
5. Kim Scott – Radical Candor
Radical Candor is a transformative read for anyone in a leadership position. Kim Scott introduces the concept of giving feedback that is both direct and compassionate, encouraging leaders to challenge others directly while also showing care personally. This approach fosters a culture of openness, honesty, and trust. It’s been crucial for me to apply these principles in leadership, helping to create an environment where feedback is not only accepted but welcomed, ultimately driving growth and improvement within teams.
6. Leil Lowndes – How to Talk to Anyone
This book is packed with valuable insights for building rapport and mastering communication. Lowndes shares practical tips on how to engage with others confidently, whether in social or professional settings. From body language to conversational strategies, this book has helped me improve my interpersonal skills and connect with people more effectively. Understanding the nuances of communication has been essential in leading my team and cultivating strong relationships with clients and partners.
7. Jeb Blount – People by YOU
This is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to develop leadership skills and influence within their team or organization. Blount’s approach is built around the idea that strong leaders don’t just focus on tasks, but on the people they lead. It emphasizes how to motivate, engage, and inspire others, which has been key in shaping my leadership philosophy. Applying these principles has helped me connect more deeply with my team, empowering them to take ownership and thrive in a collaborative, high-performance environment.
8. Jack Mitchell – Hug Your Customer
Hug Your Customer is all about going above and beyond to create exceptional customer experiences. Mitchell’s approach is grounded in showing genuine care for customers and treating them like family. This philosophy has been a cornerstone of my own leadership journey. By applying these principles, I’ve seen how building personal relationships with customers creates trust, loyalty, and a lasting positive impact on the business.
Final Thoughts
Reading isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s about taking that knowledge and using it to make a real difference in your life and the lives of others. In 2025, I’m committed to continuing this journey of growth, leadership, and learning.
I look forward to sharing more insights with you and hearing about your own reading experiences. Here’s to a year of wisdom and progress!
Any questions or comments? Email me: mitch@neinsteinplasticsurgery.com