So many books...so little time! I am a voracious reader and devour everything from hard science to light beach reads. I read a fair amount of nonfiction and I enjoy learning more about human behavior, leadership, and how I can be better at my job. Over the years, I have had the privilege of being introduced to several authors and books that were so powerful they changed my way of thinking, my way of being, and even my life. I thought I would share a few of those gems today. Each of the books listed below is an ‘oldie but goodie’ and each, in its own way, had a profound impact on how I think about leading and learning. There are many more that I could add to the list but here are some of my absolute favorites. Please note the sections in italics are part of the publisher’s blurb about the book; the rest of the comments are my own.
Of all the leadership books I have read, this has had the most impact. It made me rethink how we build community in our workplace and in our lives. It reminded me of the importance of honoring people, and it made me dig deep to refresh and refocus on my values. If I could recommend one book to leaders, it would be this one.
“Modern society is plagued by fragmentation. The various sectors of our communities--businesses, schools, social service organizations, churches, government - do not work together. They exist in their own worlds. As do so many individual citizens, who long for connection but end up marginalized, their gifts overlooked, their potential contributions lost. What Block provides in this inspiring new book is an exploration of the exact way community can emerge from fragmentation: How is community built? How does the transformation occur? What fundamental shifts are involved? He explores a way of thinking about our places that creates an opening for authentic communities to exist and details what each of us can do to make that happen.”
This book has had a significant impact on my life and on my thinking. I have been a huge fan of Margaret Wheatley and devoured all of her books. This one offers a different lens than her other books. It paints a clear picture of the life cycle of civilizations and where we are now. It is a scary read, but ultimately a joyful one - filled with hope and a way of being for those of us who choose to lead in these times. Anyone who knows me professionally knows I quote this book often.
“This book is born of my desire to summon us to be leaders for this time as things fall apart, to reclaim leadership as a noble profession that creates possibility and humaneness in the midst of increasing fear and turmoil.
I know it is possible for leaders to use their power and influence, their insight and compassion, to lead people back to an understanding of who we are as human beings, to create the conditions for our basic human qualities of generosity, contribution, community and love to be evoked no matter what. I know it is possible to experience grace and joy in the midst of tragedy and loss. I know it is possible to create islands of sanity in the midst of wildly disruptive seas. I know it is possible because I have worked with leaders over many years in places that knew chaos and breakdown long before this moment. And I have studied enough history to know that such leaders always arise when they are most needed. Now it's our turn.”
I could not put this book down when I first discovered it. As a child, I struggled in math and although I was great in the humanities and sciences, somehow, I always felt like I was stupid and not nearly as good as my friends who were aces at math. This book helped me reframe how I thought about myself and how, as leaders, we think about our teams’ abilities.
“Robinson’s groundbreaking book is about finding your talents and passions, and by doing so, finding your way in the world. The book explores the multifaceted diversity of intelligence, the power of imagination and creativity, and the importance of commitment to our own capabilities. Ken Robinson looks at the conditions that enable us to find ourselves in the Element and those that stifle that possibility.”
I participated in a two-day training in Crucial Conversations with my entire team and it made a huge difference in how we communicated. This book helped to create a common vocabulary and understanding of how to talk about high-stakes topics. There are also two more books in the series: Crucial Accountability and Crucial Confrontations. Both are equally valuable.
“Crucial Conversations provides powerful skills to ensure every conversation―especially difficult ones―leads to the results you want. Written in an engaging and witty style, it teaches readers how to be persuasive rather than abrasive, how to get back to productive dialogue when others blow up or clam up, and it offers powerful skills for mastering high-stakes conversations, regardless of the topic or person. When stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run strong, you have three choices: Avoid a crucial conversation and suffer the consequences; handle the conversation poorly and suffer the consequences; or apply the lessons and strategies of Crucial Conversations and improve relationships and results.”
This easy-to-read book teaches leaders how to coach by practicing listening and good questioning skills. This book reminds us that we can allow others to find their own answers when we simply ask good questions and LISTEN. Anyone who is a parent, teacher, or leader should take a moment to read this book.
“… the book combines insider information with research based in neuroscience and behavioral economics, together with interactive training tools to turn practical advice into practiced habits. Coaching is an art and it's far easier said than done. It takes courage to ask a question rather than offer up advice, provide and answer, or unleash a solution. Giving another person the opportunity to find their own way, make their own mistakes, and create their own wisdom is both brave and vulnerable.”
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain Even though this book is over a decade old it is still must-read material. Although introverts are more understood now than they were when this book was written, it is still a good reminder that there is more than one modality to being a strong leader. As an introvert, I felt there was something wrong with me - my leadership did not look like others. This book made me realize that while my leadership may look different, it is still valid. After this book was published many similar titles came out - but I still find this one the best of the bunch.
“At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over working in teams. It is to introverts—Rosa Parks, Chopin, Dr. Seuss, Steve Wozniak—that we owe many of the great contributions to society.
In Quiet, Susan Cain argues that we dramatically undervalue introverts and shows how much we lose in doing so. She charts the rise of the Extrovert Ideal throughout the twentieth century and explores how deeply it has come to permeate our culture. She also introduces us to successful introverts—from a witty, high-octane public speaker who recharges in solitude after his talks, to a record-breaking salesman who quietly taps into the power of questions. Passionately argued, impeccably researched, and filled with indelible stories of real people, Quiet has the power to permanently change how we see introverts and, equally important, how they see themselves.”
I read this as part of a book study with my team. The book helped us uncover some of the root causes for why we had low trust and what we could do about it. Ultimately, I credit this book (Along with Crucial Conversations) as giving us the skills to function as a high-performing team. This story is easy-to-read and a great conversation starter.
“Throughout the story, Lencioni reveals the five dysfunctions which go to the very heart of why teams, even the best ones, often struggle. He outlines a powerful model and actionable steps that can be used to overcome these common hurdles and build a cohesive, effective team.”
First of all, if you are not familiar with Brene Brown, you should be. From her epic Ted Talk from SXSW in 2017, to her latest, Atlas of the Heart you will not be disappointed. I also highly recommend any of these books in audio if she is the narrator. Her books are folksy, funny, and fabulous! Brown’s background is that of a researcher, and she shares her knowledge in a way that is totally accessible and immediately applicable. This book is another great tool in the toolbox!
“Leadership is not about titles, status, and wielding power. A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for recognizing the potential in people and ideas, and has the courage to develop that potential.
When we dare to lead, we don’t pretend to have the right answers; we stay curious and ask the right questions. We don’t see power as finite and hoard it; we know that power becomes infinite when we share it with others. We don’t avoid difficult conversations and situations; we lean into vulnerability when it’s necessary to do good work.”
I was first introduced to this book via an NPR interview with the author. As someone who has a Myers-Briggs of INFJ (only 4% of takers are INFJ) and someone who came to leadership through an unusual route, I frequently feel out of step. This book reminded me that those of us who have the ability to see things differently have much to contribute. Additionally, it points out that you don’t have to be the first with an idea, and that coming in second frequently means greater success.
In Originals Grant addresses the challenge of improving the world but from the perspective of becoming original: choosing to champion novel ideas and values that go against the grain, battle conformity, and buck outdated traditions. How can we originate new ideas, policies, and practices without risking it all?
Using surprising studies and stories spanning business, politics, sports, and entertainment, Grant explores how to recognize a good idea, speak up without getting silenced, build a coalition of allies, choose the right time to act, and manage fear and doubt; how parents and teachers can nurture originality in children; and how leaders can build cultures that welcome dissent."
I love this book and I love the expression. Shifting the Monkey is when a person, essentially, makes their problems yours. A staff member tells you that they simply can’t complete their assignment because they do not have X, Y, or Z to complete it. Suddenly, you spring to action to find X, Y, and Z. Ta Da! They have trained you to do their work. How many times has this happened to you? At work? At home? How do you help people take personal responsibility and make them carry their own darn monkey?
“Poor employees get a disproportionate amount of attention. Why? Because they complain the loudest, create the greatest disruptions, and rely on others to assume the responsibilities that they shirk. Learn how to focus on your good employees first and help them shift these “monkeys” back to the underperformers.”
I am a stereotypical modern woman. As such, I routinely face fear, anxiety, and stress. In my darkest moments, it becomes important to remind myself how fortunate I am and that I get to choose how I react, respond, and feel. It is a delightful read, full of humor and wit while at the same time, two very compelling stories. If you struggle with optimism, joy, and happiness, I highly recommend this book. The audiobook is also a great listen!
“Nobel Peace Prize Laureates His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have survived more than fifty years of exile and the soul-crushing violence of oppression. Despite their hardships—or, as they would say, because of them—they are two of the most joyful people on the planet. We get to listen as they explore the Nature of True Joy and confront each of the Obstacles of Joy—from fear, stress, and anger to grief, illness, and death. Throughout, they include stories, wisdom, and science. Finally, they share their daily Joy Practices that anchor their own emotional and spiritual lives.”
I hope that there was at least one book that might be new to you. There are so many great books out there it was difficult to narrow it down to a manageable scope. If you read any of these I would love to hear what you think. Additionally, please comment below to add other great reads you have enjoyed!
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