Memoir and Management: A Path to the Corner Office?

The New York Times runs interviews with CEO’s of various companies in a series called “The Corner Office.” On Sunday April 26, 2009, the subject was Richard Anderson, of Delta Air Lines as interviewed by Adam Bryant.

Since I taught both English and history to undergraduates, I was delighted to see Anderson’s emphasis on the need to learn how to write, and the value of reading history, especially biography and autobiography, for leaders in business.

Autobiography and memoir are not synonymous, as we have already discussed here, but a well-written memoir might well be a good primer in leadership.

Or not?  What do you think?

The last memoir I read, How to Sleep Alone in a King-Size Bed, probably would not make it on to Anderson’s list, although it was a delightful read.

What memoirs, biographies, or autobiographies would you recommend as texts on leadership and good management?