Here are some books and resources we love (in no particular order).

Drive – The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us – by Daniel H. Pink This is a terrific book to help you understand how vital “purpose-driven” thinking is in our personal success and in understanding what motivates the people we lead.

A Whole New Mind – by Daniel H. Pink
If you want to better understand how the world is changing, what skills will be needed, and how you fit into the picture, read this. Fabulous book that certainly put those of us who are right-brainers at ease!

The OZ Principle – Getting Results Through Individual and Organizational Accountability – by Roger Conners, Tom Smith, and Craig Hickman When it comes to books that help you understand your role in driving constructive and effective action, this is one of the best.  A great read to get you back on track when you find your results fleeting and yourself feeling less than powerful.

Switch:  How to Change Things When Change is Hard – by Chip and Dan Heath I loved this book because it talks about change in a very real and accessible way and provides practical tools to lead through change (that will make a difference in all of your relationships, not just at work!)

Uncertainty:  Turning Fear and Doubt into Fuel for Brilliance – by Jonathan Fields This book has some great strategies that can make a difference in dealing with the vast amount of change and uncertainty we all face in today’s business environment.

The Gifts of Imperfection:  Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are – by Brene´ Brown Brilliant book grounded in significant research that explores the price we pay for not living our true selves and strategies to get there.

Getting Naked:  A Business Fable About Shedding the Three Fears that Sabotage Client Loyalty – by Patrick Lencioni This book does a terrific job of building out the business case for one of our most important OnStage points-of-view:  that there is power in vulnerability. 

Strengths Finder 2.0,-  by Tom Rath This is a fantastic resource to better understand your strengths and how to maximize what you do well

First, Break all the Rules – What the world’s greatest managers do differently  – by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman Outstanding book.  If you manage others and want to learn how to maximize your team’s strengths, then you’ll love this book.

Emotional Intelligence 2.0 – by Travis Bradberry, Jean Greaves, and Patrick M. Lencioni Fantastic resource with an easy assessment to help you identify your EQ. Provides strong strategies for strengthening the areas that are impeding your success in work and life.

Authentic Leadership: Rediscovering the Secrets to Creating Lasting Value – by Bill George Really wonderful book, completely in alignment with OnStage Leadership.   It has strong case studies and data to support how critical it is that leaders show up authentically in the workplace.

Encouraging the Heart: A Leader’s Guide to Rewarding and Recognizing Others – by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner Recommended for anyone looking to lead in a way that others will WANT to follow.  Echoing what we discuss in OnStage Leadership, that at the heart of leadership is caring. 

The Leaders Voice – by Boyd Clark and Ron Crossland There are some interesting case studies and tools in this book. 

Fierce Conversations – by Susan Scott Great tools that I apply every day.

The Artist’s Way – by Julia Cameron This beautiful book helps everyone reclaim their inner-artist.  I highly recommend it.

Transitions:  Making Sense of Life’s Changes – by William Bridges A fantastic book that provides real strategies for dealing with both professional and personal change in our lives.

It’s Always Personal – Navigating Emotion in the New Work Place – by Anne Kreamer I love this author’s courage, as she’s taking on a subject that no one else is willing to confront, but is at the core of professional and personal effectiveness.

Start With Why – How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action – by Simon Sinek Simon has nailed the essential ingredient to connecting with the hearts and minds of those you lead, of your customers, and of anyone with whom you want a real connection.  Great book!

Thrive – Standing on your own two feet in a borderless world – by Mike Cook
Mike is a dear friend of ours and we’ve partnered with him in the past. He does a great job of articulating how to use your strengths to create your own possibilities.

Mavericks at Work
by William C. Taylor and Polly LaBarre
We loved this book because it brings to light some of the best companies around and how their willingness to take risks, focus on their customers’ needs, and stay true to what they’re really about pays off.