It's hard to identify a single, specific work that has influenced my writing or teaching style because I think everyone's writing and teaching (and philosophy) is the product of a complex combination of influences, many of which may lie hidden and forgotten among the pages of the past. I owe so much to so many writers and thinkers who have gone before, either in terms of style or content or both, including G.K. Chesterton, Cormac McCarthy, J.R.R. Tolkien, Wendell Berry, C.S. Lewis, Graham Greene, John Senior, Michael O'Brien and Annie Dillard (and this list is far from exhaustive). But if I had to point to one influence, it would probably be the body of work of my father, Michael Larson, a poet, essayist, and one of the finest teachers I ever had the joy to learn from. I think the most important thing I learned from both his writing and his teaching was this: a sense of mystery and wonder about the world. He taught me that "there are more things, Horatio, in heaven and earth, than are dreamt of in your philosophy" (a line he loves to quote). You've got to love that mystery. And that's what I try to share with people in my teaching and my writing.
While studying and teaching at Trinity Western University, I came across a book called 'Dare to Lead' by Brené Brown where the author challenges the traditional styles of leading and leaders' attitudes. The arguments made by Brené about the necessity of being vulnerable to grow rather than keeping the guard up at all times have influenced me to my deepest roots. I have tweaked my teaching style since then and the conversations with my students are more of a friendly talk instead of a lesson, which has resulted in a better understanding of the concepts and S-T relationships. My writing style has been influenced greatly as well. Compared to my earlier writings where I had a lot of information, I now use more personal examples and anecdotes to explain important concepts. This has not only made the readability better, but I enjoy writing more than ever.
Envision a literary journey that rested entirely on one work, which left an irremovable brand of my writing and teaching style. As for me, it was the elegant use of words in One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. This article does not only overwhelm you with redundant phrases but also reveals how excellently this author can narrate a story due to his simplicity. Both my writing and teaching have allowed a story-driven approach, integrating complicated concepts into personal narratives. The key is not to overload with information but offer an interesting experience. Marquez’ magical realism influenced with the sense of an enchantment to my own work, making me creative and traveling from the ordinary. Basically, literature became a beacon of guidance that directs my style towards achieving the right balance between simplicity and engagement with some strains of the marvellous.
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni drastically improved my approach as a tech CEO. The book hinges on trust and openness, pivotal in fostering successful teams. These principles translated to my writing style. Now, I never sugarcoat or obfuscate facts but provide accurate, accessible information. Whether it's a project update, an executive summary, or a marketing pitch, my writing embodies transparency and candor. It serves to build trust within the organization and promote effective communication.