Nightstand: What's Dan Mann reading?

Dan Mann, president and chief executive of Lighthouse of Pinellas Inc., an organization dedicated to the visually impaired, carries a Kindle in his briefcase with several books loaded on it at once. Reading helps one gain knowledge, and in today's world especially, "Knowledge is power,'' says Mann, 61. Although he believes visually impaired people benefit greatly from audiobooks, Mann stresses the importance of braille. "Despite today's advances in technology, the visually impaired use it in their daily life, in the elevator, at ATM machines. Some see braille as passe, but it is not.''

What is on your nightstand?

Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl, The Scientific American Day in the Life of Your Brain, Leading Change by John P. Kotter, Forging Non-Profit Alliances by Jane Arsenault and Silos, Politics and Turf by Patrick Lencioni.

Do you consider Team of Rivals your pleasure reading?

Yes. I thought I knew all about Lincoln, but now I'm in total awe. To bring one's rivals in because of what's best for the country shows what a great leader he was.

Among the leadership books, does one stand out?

That would be Leading Change, but one that I didn't mention is Speed of Trust by Stephen R. Covey. It's very good for communication in today's times. You need to make sure everyone is on the same page and acting with a sense of urgency.

Piper Castillo, Times staff writer