Challenge your Leadership Thinking: Our favorite reads

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I’m a voracious reader and a career-long learner. That’s a powerful duo for keeping any one of us at the top of our game. If you want to be both better and different (and I hope that you’ve already made that call to action a leadership priority for yourself), then you’ve got to challenge your current assumptions, your same old same old thinking, believing and acting.

 

This ongoing challenge is made easier by the fact that there are so many business thought leaders who gift us with their novel ideas, clever insights, unique interpretations and practical tips, tools and techniques through their books, articles, audios and videos. Feed yourself a steady diet of this new information and these fresh perspectives and try it all on for size; then make only those portions or parts that speak directly to you, your own. Add the ‘best fits’ to your own personal brand of leadership as you continually evolve toward your best self…again and again.

People routinely ask for my top picks and recommendations and I’m glad to oblige – I’ve become a willing 24/7 interactive ad campaign for my favorites! So, why not here?! Below are some of the leadership and business references, grouped by topic, that have been most helpful to me on my own journey. You’re also invited to add to the list – what’s created the most value for you?

General Leadership

1. The Leadership Challenge – Kouzes & Posner
2. The Art of Possibility – Ben & Roz Zander
3. Seven Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen Covey (It is a classic; never gets stale)

Coaching

1. The Heart of Coaching – Thomas Crane
2. Take The Lead: Full Throttle Engagement Powered by Coaching – Leta Beam (yes, it is self-promotion but I think it would have been weird not to add it to my ‘favorites’ list
3. Masterful Coaching – Robert Hargrove

Communication

1. Crucial Conversations – Kerry Patterson and the Crew from the Center for Creative Leadership
2. Discussing the Undiscussable  - Bill Noonan
3. Authentic Conversations – Jamie & Maren Showkeier (It’s so much more than a communication reference)

Intentionality

1. The Power of Intention – Wayne Dyer
2. If How-Tos Were Enough, We’d All Be Skinny, Rich and Happy – Brian Klemmer

Teaming

1. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team – Patrick Lencioni
2. Death by Meeting – Patrick Lencioni

Conflict

1. Crucial Confrontations – Kerry Patterson again

Personal Branding

1. Career Distinction: Stand Out By Building Your Own Brand  – William Arruda
2. Ditch Dare Do 3D Personal Branding For Executives – William Arruda

Other Great Topics

1. Fake Work – Brent Peterson
2. Fearless Facilitation – Cyndi Maxey
3. 3 Steps to Yes: The Gentle Art of Getting Your Own Way – Gene Bedell
4. The Power of a Positive No – William Ury

Periodicals

1. Harvard Business Review (Absolutely outstanding!)
2. Fast Company (this will challenge your thinking!!)

Children’s Books (Written For Adults In The Workplace)

1. Oh, The Places You’ll Go! – Dr. Suess
2. Tacky the Penguin – (It has an inclusion theme)
3. Swimmy – (This is great team learning)
4. The Little Engine That Could – (All about resilience!)

“In this time of rapid fire change, it is the learners who inherit the earth. The learned are prepared for a world that no longer exists.”        Eric Hoffer