Must Reads
Below is a list of recommended reads that we are over the moon about.
Chief Joy Officer
This book went by way too quick for us. The concept of creating joy at work grips you as you dive deeper and deeper in the story. Initially, you start the book with skepticism, that joy for all is not possible. And then, page by page your are met with simple examples of how candor, authenticity, and purpose are creating joy for organization’s across the world – and how it could elevate you own organization.
Switch
The book Switch was the book that turned my world upside down. Up to the point of reading this book I tried to influence change by only applying data to the problem. Switch encourages the reader to lead change through addressing both the analytical mind and the emotional mind through sharing a variety of business cases. My personal favorite business case is the Glove Shrine.
The Road Back to You
Do you know what your number is on the Enneagram? All the cool kids are doing it. Self-awareness is the starting point for effectively leading change as a change agent. If you don’t know how you handle change, you will never be able to help others participate in change. This book hit home in so many ways and helped me to reconnect with my authentic self and challenge the truth of the stories I have told myself about who I am.
Dare to lead
Basically we will endorse anything and everything from Brené Brown. Her TED talk. Her conversation with Dax Shepard on Armchair Expert. Everything she does and says is spot on. One of my favorite quote from her is, “I define a leader as anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential.” #micdrop
The Fearless Organization
The ideas to innovate and grow your business likely exist within the the four walls of your organization. However, these ideas are not being suggested due to the lack of psychological safety. Learn how to create a fearless organization through creating trust, valuing feedback, learning by doing, encouraging experimentation, viewing failing as learning, and promoting collaboration.
The infinite game
Leadership is about thinking long-term and creating a future that is infinite, vs. finite. Instead of having an end in mind, leaders who play the infinite game are not trying to win or achieve a certain objective, but are trying to create enduring value so that the game can keep going, for future generations to participate in and benefit from.
Yes, And
Saying yes is a lot more fun than saying no. Adopting the improv rule of “Yes, and” fosters team building and collaboration. In this hilarious book you will be guided through the basic ground rules of improv. This book will transform how you think, work in teams, and lead others.
atomic habits
I will start exercising tomorrow. I will start improving my diet tomorrow. I will… tomorrow. If you have had moments like this in your life, you need to read Atomic Habits. The gives simple, practical tips for ending procrastination and provides advice that will have you living your best life with little effort. What are you waiting for? Buy this book now.
Everybody Matters
This book is about how an organization can thrive and achieve breakthrough performance simply by treating the team like family. In this book the author shares his obsession with giving people meaningful work and send them home each day fulfilled.
Sprint
This book is an amazing resource, detailing how to facilitate a Design Sprint. The chapters walk you day-by-day through the key activities of a Design Sprint, with useful insights on where the potholes might exist when working with a team. Not only does the book serve as a guide for facilitating Design Sprints, it showcases a handful of really cool innovations that have been developed as part of this process.
Hidden Brilliance
Ever wonder what it is like to be a high-achieving introvert? This book is a crash course for understanding introverts. But beyond that, it is a great resource for all high-achievers. My favorite part of this book is the authors reference to her inner monologue, which she calls the Board of Directors. The way she describes each persona, little voice, in her head is absolutely classic.